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.