Fortify Your Teeth

Eating the right foods is not only good for a healthy body, some foods play an integral part in protecting and strengthening your teeth and gums. 

Some examples of fortified foods are:

Milk- Milk  contains calcium, which helps protect against periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.The calcium in milk can also help to remineralize your teeth..

Oranges-Vitamin C contained in oranges helps reduce inflammation and works to keep your gums healthy.Other citrus fruit such as grapefruits are also a good source of Vitamin C.

Strawberries- Similar to oranges and other citrus fruits, strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C. Vitamin C also aids in the production of collagen. Collagen helps maintain the strength of your gums.

Salmon- Salmon is a great source for Vitamin D.  The Vitamin D found in salmon allows your body to absorb and use calcium at it's full strength.

Water-One of the many benefits of drinking water is that it can help remove debris from your teeth.Water also helps to keep your saliva level high.Saliva contains proteins and minerals that aid in the fight against acid erosion from sugary drinks.Sugary drinks such as, soda and sports drinks can damage enamel and promote tooth decay. Saliva is the mouths best protection against tooth decay.

Apples- Apples contain vitamins and minerals which help protect your teeth and gums. Eating apples increases saliva flow and reduces cavity causing bacteria. Apples have also been called "natures toothbrush".






One of Dr. Smyth's favorites on this list is Salmon. Dr. Smyth  brings his lunch from home, which most often is a smoked salmon salad. After all, the mouth is the gateway to your body. Healthy diet, healthy body, healthy teeth.

Reference-Joy Bauer Food Cures-2012

The Cliff Walk

Dr. Smyth arranged an office get together,which was held on September 14.Destination...... Newport, Rhode Island, specifically, the Cliff Walk.

Our luxury bus arrived at 11:00 am, to take us to the beginning of the cliff walk at first beach in Newport. Prior to getting on the bus, Kim picked up our preordered  box lunches from Panera,so we could have a picnic lunch before we started out on our adventure.

After lunch we started on the 3.5 mile cliff walk. the scenery was absolutely beautiful. On our right we had the magnificent mansions, and on our left we had the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.  Did I mention the weather? It couldn't have been nicer, sunny and warm with a slight breeze.

Th.e 3.5 mile walk starts out on a paved walkway, but soon enough you are walking on a dirt path, then jumping on rocks and passing through tunnels. Sneakers were a definite must for this adventurous trail.

The walk took us a couple of hours to complete. We stopped often to take pictures of the mansions, group photos and other sights along the way.

After the cliff walk ,we ventured into downtown Newport to find a place to relax by the water. We decided to have a little something to eat and drink,before getting back on the bus for our ride back to Franklin.

A great time was had by all, we are already looking forward to planning our next office outing. A huge thanks goes out to Dr. Smyth for taking us to Newport for the day.

Baby Bottle Syndrome

Baby bottle tooth decay can develop with babies due to over exposure to sugary liquids. Baby formula, milk and juices contain sugar, which bacteria feeds on , causing an acid attack which may result in tooth decay.

Baby bottle tooth decay is preventable. The problem arises when babies are allowed to suck on bottles or sippy cups containing these liquids for long periods of time. It is recommended to use plain water in a bottle or sippy cup when putting a child to bed,whether it is naptime or bedtime.

Dr. Smyth would suggest trying  to keep regular feeding schedules to help avoid extended exposure of teeth to sugary liquids.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards help prevent injury to the mouth, teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. Mouthguards also help prevent or reduce the severity of concussions. Injuries to the mouth can have far reaching consequences. Immediately after an injury there is pain and also the expense of treating the injury. Injuries to the teeth require follow up care for years to come.






Mouthguards are recommended and in some cases, required to be worn during such sporting activities as:


football
soccer

basketball
hockey
field hockey
lacrosse 
wrestling
martial arts


When choosing a mouthguard, you have a few options:


Stock mouthguard
Boil and bite

You can find these two options at a sporting goods store. They are relatively inexpensive.


Custom mouthguard


Custom made mouthguards provide the best protection, because they are made from impressions of your teeth. This allows you to breathe  better and speak more clearly while wearing the mouthguard.


Call Dr. Smyths office today to make a custom  mouthguard for the best protection of your mouth!

Creating Good Dental Habits in Children

It is important to teach good oral hygiene to children very early, to help prevent cavities and other dental problems,as they grow.


Once a child develops their first tooth, you can clean it with a toothbrush and water, no toothpaste.


Toothpaste - You may introduce toothpaste around the age of 2 or 3. Children should have the ability to spit after brushing, so they don't swallow any toothpaste.  Use only a pea size amount.


Make it Fun - Let children pick out their own toothbrush, they will be more excited to use it. There are alot of choices with kids toothbrushes today,characters, bright colors, movie themes and also spin brushes. You can have them brush their teeth to a song, that way they brush for a certain amount of time. Brushing for 2 minutes is recommended.

Flossing - Parents can help children with flossing if they are not coordinated enough to handle this task on their own. Usually around the ages of 6 to 8, they can begin to try this on their own. Again, there are many different options for flossing, check with Rhonda, Maureen or Linda for helpful ideas on what to use. Here is an example of kid friendly floss aids.

Diet - Control sugar  by limiting the amount of sugary drinks and snacks. Teach them to rinse their mouth out with water after drinking sugar drinks, such as soda , gatorade or fruit juices.


Dentist - Children should come for their first dental visit around the age of 3. The first visit should be a fun and positive experience. You can talk to your children about getting a ride in the dental chair, their teeth will be counted and polished, and the Dentist will come in and meet them as well. 


Begin good oral hygiene habits early to help children understand the importance of  maintaining a happy healthy smile.

The Importance of Brushing Twice a Day

A biofilm is the layering of different species of bacteria into a colony. Within the oral environment, there are several species of bacteria: some good,even protective, while others are bad and virulent. The first bugs to start forming the biofilm are the beneficial ones, then the more destructive bacteria arrive later. The colony always follows this pattern. The virulent pathogens will soon become the dominant species which may lead to periodontal(gums,bone) destruction.


By brushing and flossing frequently ( at least twice per day brushing,and once flossing), we are able to breakup the biofilm before it becomes established. Therefore, none of the bad bugs are able to adhere to the colony. The biofilm needs to start anew; colonizing with the beneficial bacteria again. This cycle continues on and on.

So the next time you consider skipping that brushing and/or flossing, remember the millions of destructive bacteria circling around your teeth and gums, just waiting to invade!

Franklin 5k Road Race

On Sunday May 20th  Dr. Smyths office completed their first 5k road race. For some of our employees it was their first time training and running in a road race. The race we chose to do was HMEA Independence 5k, which raised money for children and adults with developmental disabilities. and was held at EMC in  Franklin.

  

We started our training the first weekend in March, the plan we followed  is called Couch to 5k. It was great to hear running chatter throughout the office for the next 12 weeks. There was talk of sneakers, shin splints, and most importantly , what are we going to wear! Dr. Smyth decided to purchase matching dry fit t-shirts with our names on it,along with our website address.

Although the weather was hot, we all had a great time, there was even talk about wanting to do another 5k road race in the future. I would call that a success!!

To our surprise we even had a couple of top finishers in our group. Amy Smyth, Dr. Smyths sister  n law, came in first in her age division. Carol, Dr. Smyths assistant came in 3rd in her age division. Congratulations to both of them !!

To see more of our photos from the race you can visit our website franklinfamilysmiles.com .

Charter Oak Dental Meeting

On Thursday May 10th, Dr. Smyth, Kim, Cheryl, Linda and Carol traveled to Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut for the 147th Annual Charter Oak Dental Meeting. 

The course we attended  was named, How to Love Dentistry, Have Fun and Prosper.

  

The Madow brothers, Rich and Dave, were the speakers of this course. Rich and Dave are well known Dentists from Baltimore, MD,who have built their own dental practices from scratch over 20 years ago. They now travel the country speaking at seminars and also consulting with private dental practices on how to love dentistry, have fun and prosper.  In November , they will be hosting the Best Seminar Ever(TBSE) in Las Vegas. Rich and Dave are a very enthusiastic, energetic,and  musical duo. The course commenced with a parody video called "I Got a Filling"starring Rich and Dave..These two brothers aim to not only educate their audience, but also to entertain, they did just that. We look forward to implementing some of their ideas into our practice.

Here is the video of " I Got a Filling", let me know what you think of it. Stay connected with us, we will have a surprise for our social media friends soon!

Top Ten Reasons For Cavities

1. Poor Oral Hygiene- brush at least 2-3 times a day, followed by flossing. Floss cleans in between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach.


2.Xerostomia/Dry Mouth-medications can often inhibit or stop the flow of saliva.

3.Diet- fruit juices,soda,energy or sport drinks all contain high amounts of sugar.

4.Grinding/Bruxism- tooth grinding strips away the hard enamel exposing the dentin, which is soft.The exposed dentin makes teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.


5.Medical Conditions- such as acid reflux and eating disorders can erode the teeth, which can make them more vulnerable to decay..


6.Malaligned /Crooked Teeth- if teeth are crowded it makes it that much harder to keep clean.Proper brushing and flossing become imperative in the prevention of decay.


7.Lack of Fluoride- You can increase your fluoride intake by using a prescription toothpaste called Clinpro 5000.


8.Poorly formed Enamel/Deep Grooves-plaque tends to stick to these areas. Dental sealants can be placed to help prevent decay in these grooves.


9.Mints/Lifesavers- habitually sucking on mints and lifesavers increases your chances in getting decay. Look for sugar free mints.

Herbal Supplements and Your Dental Visit

An herbal remedy is considered a dietary supplement, a product that is taken in addition to a balanced diet, but is not considered a food or drug. Research is being conducted on the many kinds of dietary supplements to determine if they are effective in treating diseases and ailments, as many currently claim.


Many herbal supplements have significant pharmacological effects. The problem that arises for the dental team, is the effects that herbal products have in combination with prescription medications,as well as the patients general response to dental treatment.


Some concerns about the effects and interactions are the following:

Blood Clotting
Excessive Bleeding
Anesthesia
Cardiovascular
Inflammation
Immune Response


It is always wise and recommended that you research and consult with your physician for  complete information about the possible side effects and adverse reactions, before taking any dietary supplements.



Source: ADAAF

April

April is birthday month here at Dr. Smyth's office. On April 12th , we celebrated Rhonda's birthday.This week on Monday April 23rd, we celebrated Carol's birthday , and today we celebrated yet again with Dr. Smyth's birthday. Here are a few pictures to commemorate the special occasion.

Rhonda's flowers

Birthday desserts

 

Carol's cake from her family

Here at Dr. Smyth's office , we like to acknowledge everyone's birthday with something sweet to eat.This month we chose fruit, chocolate covered strawberries and a chocolate cake with white frosting for Dr. Smyth, his favorite.Dr. Smyth also received a gift basket from a former employee, who has moved away.I'm sure everyone celebrates their birthday, leave us a comment telling us how you celebrated,we would love to hear from you!

OOPS- On our last blog regarding interesting facts, I mistakenly forgot to mention that our hygienist Linda, has also been here over 20years!! Sorry Linda!

Antibiotic Premedication

Before some dental treatments , patients who have certain heart conditions and those with artificial joints take antibiotics. These patients may be at risk of developing an infection in the heart or at the site of the artificial joint.


Heart Conditions
artificial heart valves
a history of infective endocarditis
a cardiac transplant that develops a heart valve problem
some congenital(present from birth) heart conditions




Joint Replacement
In the past, administration of antibiotics prior to dental work was only recommended during the first two years after surgery. Because of concerns about the severity of infection of a joint replacement, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons now recommends that antibiotics be given before an invasive dental procedure no matter how long it has been since the joint replacement procedure.


Immunocompromised/Immunosuppressed Patients
These include patients with rheumatoid arthritis,lupus and other conditions that can affect the immune system. Patients who take medications or receive radiation treatment that can alter the immune system should also have antibiotics prior to dental work.


Dr.Smyth always recommends that you check with your physician prior to your dental appointment,if you have any of these conditions.You can also call Dr.Smyths office with any questions or concerns you may have regarding premedication.








Source:ADA

Interesting Dental Facts

Teeth are the hardest substance in the body.


The first nylon bristled toothbrush was invented in 1938.


The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough saliva to fill two swimming pools.


A sneeze zooms out of the mouth at over 600mph.


Tooth decay is the second most common disease in the U.S. after the common cold.


If you don't floss you miss cleaning 35% of your tooth surface.


Ancient cultures chewed on twigs and roots to clean their teeth.


45-70 seconds , that is the amount of time most people brush a day.


Their are 300 types of bacteria that make up dental plaque.


George Washington didn't have wooden teeth,his teeth  were made from gold, hippopotamus tusk,elephant ivory and human teeth.

A tooth that has been knocked out starts to die within 15 minutes,but if you put it in milk,it will survive longer.Get to Dr. Smyths office ASAP.


Athletes are more likely to damage their teeth when not wearing a mouth guard during athletic activities.


Did you know that a mosquito has 47 teeth?


Turtles and tortoises are toothless.


Sharks have an unlimited supply of teeth.


A crocodile replaces  it's teeth over 40 times in a lifetime.


An interesting fact about Dr. Smyths office is that 8 out of 11 employees have been here 10years or more. Three of those employees  (Cheryl, Carol and Kim) have been here for over 20 years.WOW!!






Source:starsmilez.com

Canker Sores

A canker sore is a common form of a mouth ulcer, which appears as a painful white or yellow ulcer surrounded by a bright red area.

Cause

A canker sore can be triggered by emotional stress, certain foods, menstrual periods,hormonal changes, and trauma by a sharp tooth or a dental appliance. Sometimes an underlying health condition can trigger a canker sore.

Treatment

Canker sores will usually heal in 7-10 days without any treatment. If you can't or don't want to wait for the canker sore to heal, Dr. Smyth and Dr. Abernethy can prescribe a rinse for you. The prescription rinse consists of Maalox, Benadryl and Lidocaine. You rinse with this solution 3 times a day for 5 days.

Foods to Avoid

Tomatoes,tomato sauce

Strawberries

Oranges,orange juice

Lemons

Pineapples

apples

Any foods that are that are either acidic or spicy

So if you find yourself with a canker sore, Dr. Smyth and Dr. Abernethy would be happy to prescribe the above mentioned oral rinse to  help make you more comfortable.

Sources

webmd.com

about.com/picture

Clinpro 5000

I'm so excited to introduce you to our new favorite toothpaste!!

Clinpro 5000 1.1% Sodium Fluoride Anti-Cavity Toothpaste contains an innovative Tri Calcium Phosphate ingredient and provides over 4 times more fluoride than regular toothpaste.Clinpro 5000 strengthens teeth better than leading brands and also reverses white spot lesions better than leading brands.Clinpro 5000 is a prescription strength toothpaste.

Who can benefit from using Clinpro 5000?

Patients with the following: receding gums
                                          history of cavities
                                          poor oral hygiene
                                          high sugar and starch diets
                                          orthodontics
                                          dry mouth(caused by medications)
                                          white spot lesions

How do I use Clinpro 5000?

You use Clinpro 5000 just like regular toothpaste.Place a pea size amount on your toothbrush and brush for 2 minutes. After brushing, just spit out the toothpaste, do NOT rinse out. Use at bedtime.

Who should NOT use Clinpro 5000?

Children under the age of 6
Children between the ages of 6-12 should rinse thoroughly with water after brushing for 2 minutes.

Where can I purchase Clinpro 5000?

You can purchase Clinpro 5000 right here at Dr. Smyths office in Franklin, Ma.

Toothbrushes: Manual vs Electric

From the time we're young, we are taught that using a toothbrush regularly is one of the best ways to keep our teeth and gums healthy.

So which toothbrush is the best???

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the best toothbrush is the one that you will actually use. It is really that simple!!

So here is a list of some pros and cons for each type of toothbrush:

Manual-Pros 
It is inexpensive
Easy to travel with

Manual-Cons
No built in timer to let you know when your 2 minutes are up

Electric-Pros
Built in timer to tell you when your 2 minutes are up
Great for patients with orthodontics
massages gums

Electric-Cons
Can be expensive
Requires charging

The hygienists at Dr. Smyths office prefer an electric toothbrush, most specifically , a sonicare toothbrush. They believe a  sonicare toothbrush can help patients achieve optimum oral health.


Sources:Dentistry.about.com

Are Sports Drinks Bad for You????

Sports drinks can rehydrate you after a workout, but they may wreak havoc on your teeth. Prolonged comsumption of sports drinks could lead to erosive tooth wear. The sugar in sports drinks encourages bacteria to form in your mouth, making it easier to make their way into weak areas of the teeth. Weak enamel leads to sensitivity and increased risk for cavities.

Studies have shown that sports drinks can damage tooth enamel, even more so than soda, due to a combination of acidic components, sugars and additives.

Some examples of sports drinks are: Gatorade, Powerade, Propel Fit Water, Life Water and Vitamin Water.

So what should you do if you regularly consume these beverages, and don't want to give them up?

Use sports drinks in moderation
Dilute sports drinks with water
Drink sports drinks cold, warm temperatures speed erosion
Use a straw to reduce contact between the drink and the teeth


When Dr. Smyth was playing high school and college hockey, he drank gatorade and water.Gatorade was a fairly new product back then, so the effects  of these types of drinks were not really well known. Dr. Smyth now cautions his patients on the consumption of sports drinks to his patients.


Sources: Chicago Dental Society
               International Association for Dental Research

Xylitol- A Natural Sweetner


Xylitol is derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It doesn't break down like sugar and is slowly digested,so it won't raise blood sugar and insulin levels like regular sugar.


Regular us of xylitol makes saliva more alkaline which prevents bacteria from sticking to the enamel,therefore protecting the teeth from tooth decay.


You can find xylitol in gum, mints and toothpaste. Look for xylitol to be listed as the first or second ingredient. Each piece contains one gram , look to consume up to five grams daily , for the greatest benefit.


Dr. Smyth doesn't always chew gum, but when he does, he makes sure to choose gum with xylitol in it. Keep chewing my friends!!


If anyone has found some products with xylitol in it that you love, let us know, we would love to hear from you.


Sources:Natural Medicines
               Xylitol.org

Oral Health: A window to your overall health.


What's the connection between oral health and overall health?


Your mouth is teeming with bacteria, most of them harmless. Natural defenses and good oral health care , such as daily flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections,such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, medications,or treatments that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth.


Conditions that are linked to Oral health are as follows:
Endocarditis,Cardiovascular disease, Pregnancy, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Osteoporosis, Alzheimers disease, Sjogrens syndrome and eating disorders.


How can you protect yourself?
Brush at least twice a day
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or brush head , if you are using an electric tooth brush
Floss daily
Eat a healthy diet
Schedule regular dental check ups


Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.




Source:Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Welcome to our blog

Welcome to our first posting of our brand new blog. Our goal of this blog is to inform,educate and hopefully at times entertain you on all things relating to dentistry.

First, I will give you a little background on our dental office. We are located at 480 West Central St. Franklin, Ma. The owner of our practice is Dr. Mark Smyth,he has been practicing dentistry since 1993 and bought our practice in 2005. Dr. Sabahat Abernethy has been practicing dentistry since 2005. You can read more about our doctors on our website http://www.franklinfamilysmiles.com/. We are a general dentistry practice with four dental hygienists, two dental assistants and three front desk personnel.

February is National Childrens Dental Health Month, so don't forget to schedule a check up !!