We are too! That’s why we want you to know the facts about the X-Rays taken in our office. We use digital X-ray to minimize your exposure.

Recently, there have been a number of media reports that have discussed a study that associates frequent dental X-Rays to an increased risk of developing a non-cancerous meningioma brain tumor. Here is some information to help ease any concerns you may have:

1. The study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental X-Rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater because of the use of old X-ray technology and slower speed film. Our office has used (for many years) digital X-Rays that have 90% less radiation than traditional X-Rays. Because of the advent of digital X-Rays and improved speed of X-Ray film, the amount of radiation that dental patients are exposed to today is significantly lower.
2. Also, the results of this study rely on the individuals' memories of having dental X-Rays taken years earlier, not a review of the patients' dental or medical records. Results of studies that use this type of design method can be unreliable.
3. Measonably achievable. As dentists, we must balance the small risk of dental X-Rays against the benefits of them. They are valuable because many oral diseases cannot be detected on the basis of a visual and physical examination alone. Such radiographs provide important diagnostic information about a patient's oral health such as early-stage cavities, gum diseases, infections, and even some types of tumors
4. How often dental X-Rays should be taken depends on the patient's oral health condition, age, risk for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease that the patient may be experiencing. 

It’s time to brush up on the importance of dental health as we recognize National Oral Health Month. That’s because a bright and healthy smile does a lot more than just make you look great. It supports your body’s overall health, can reduce dental bills, alleviate unnecessary oral pain and help make sure your pearly whites are with you for life!

5 ways to get the healthier smile we all want

1. Visit the dentist regularly Pro duct Corner

Who said a trip to the dentist’s chair had to be a daunting experience? Advancements in the dental industry have made regular visits to this infamous chair virtually pain free … and your smile will love you for it! Your dentist and dental hygienist are your partners in maintaining a healthy smile. They can be instrumental in the early detection and treatment of problems in your mouth — even before your teeth are giving you any warning signs. Keep in mind, dental problems do not go away when left untreated and can potentially pose a serious health risk as well as unnecessary pain. Who wants that? The cost of neglect is always higher than the cost of prevention.

2. Practice good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene habits start with proper home care and can save you thousands in unnecessary dental bills. Let’s start with your toothbrush. Your teeth may be the hardest substance in your body, but it’s especially important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize wear. Brush at least twice a day to keep your teeth clean and free of debris and the buildup of bacteria levels that can lead to disease and decay. Let’s not forget your tongue, either. Sneaky bacteria that cause bad breath hide in the crevasses of your tongue and can wreak havoc on your social life. And don’t forget the floss!

3. Nourish your body from the inside out

There is plenty of evidence that supports the notion that a healthy diet supplemented with vitamins and combined with good oral health habits is your safest bet for achieving optimum overall health. A host of essential nutrients have been shown to support healthy teeth and gums. Vitamins and minerals are considered the building blocks of the body. Eating a variety of whole, natural foods can provide you with a rich source of these essential nutrients that promote good oral care.

4. Minimize snacking

At least the sugary, starchy and sticky foods we all love … but that our smiles frown on because they promote decay. By avoiding tempting treats like soft drinks, chips, crackers and candy, you can minimize the potential harm they have on teeth. These types of foods tend to get lodged and linger around the gumline and in between teeth. A smart alternative when snacking is to choose fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples and celery sticks.

5. Avoid Smoking

In any form, including smokeless/chewing tobacco, cigarette, pipe and cigar smoking, tobacco increases a person’s risk of developing oral cancer. In fact, smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers. Aside from all the obvious harmful effects of smoking (increased risk of oral cancer, heart disease, elevated cholesterol levels, lung cancer, etc.), smoking dries the oral tissues of the mouth, reducing the availability of saliva and all the benefits saliva provides for the teeth and tissues. Smoking also increases carbon dioxide in the mouth and robs tissues of oxygen. This delays healing in tissues, stains teeth and dental work and increases bad breath.  

Q-Why do I need Fluoride?

A-Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is often added to drinking water and is commonly found in toothpaste. Research has shown that the rate of cavities decreases in areas where fluoride is added to the water supply. Health authorities, such as The American Dental Association and The World Health Organization, both advocate the addition of fluoride to drinking water, and recommend you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, if age appropriate.

If you do not have fluoride in your water, fluoride is also available in:

• Tablets
• Rinse
• Varnish
• Foam

Speak with our office if you are concerned whether or not you are receiving enough, or too much fluoride daily. Fluoride treatments are also given after a hygiene appointment every six months to one year. 

Q-Can an apple a day really help my teeth too?

A- Crunchy foods, including apples, celery, and carrots, act like little toothbrushes when you chew them, and they actually help scrub away stubborn stains over time. The cleansing effect on your teeth may be noticeable—if ever so slightly—especially if you're a coffee drinker who wasn't eating apples every day to begin with. The mildly acidic nature and astringent quality of apples, combined with their rough, fiber-rich flesh, makes them the ideal food for cleansing and brightening teeth. Just be sure to chase it with a glass of water to rinse away the sugar, acid, and any plaque it may have removed from your enamel! 

Q-Does my diet have a role in my oral health?

A-Changing your eating habits could help reduce the risk for cavities.

The December 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association reminds patients that maintaining a balanced diet is important to maintaining a healthy smile.

Cavities are caused by plaque—a thin film of bacteria that coats the teeth. After you eat or drink, plaque bacteria digest any sugar and produces acids that weaken tooth enamel. The more you consume foods and drink that contain sugar, the bigger risk there is of plaque developing and eventually leading to cavities. The best way to protect your teeth from plaque is to keep an eye on the amount of sugar in your diet.

Almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar, but to help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Added sugars often are present in soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries.

To counter this, it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to clean between the teeth with floss. When plaque builds up, it can cause the gums to bleed or swell—which, if not treated, could lead to gu, disease and tooth loss.

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. Although poor nutrition does not cause gum (periodontal) disease directly, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and could be more severe in people with nutrient-poor diets.