Cavities are awful.  They create ugly holes in teeth, resulting in fillings, in severe cases root canals, crowns, or even extraction. There is no guaranteed way to ensure a natural tooth never gets a cavity, but there are a certain things that can make it far less likely to happen.  The factors involved are: the presence of bacteria, the sugars in your diet, and Fluoride.

To start, bacteria are the cause of tooth decay. Many different types of bacteria are found in plaque (biofilm) build-up.  There are certain types that cause cavities between the teeth, and they feed on carbohydrates. Their digestive process creates acid, which breaks down the tooth surface.  This is, in short, how a cavity is formed between the teeth.

Hence, it is important to remove these bacteria by flossing regularly. Flossing physically removes the plaque, reducing the number of harmful bacteria between the teeth.  Plaque has a unique and effective way of sticking to your teeth, and cannot be removed by rinsing.  Brushing your teeth is very important as well, it removes a large portion of the plaque, but it does not remove anything between the teeth.

I mentioned that bacteria feed from carbohydrates, and create acid as a result. This does not mean you must give up carbs or sweets, it simply means that you may want to re-evaluate how often you have them, and the quality of the nutrients that are involved. Take for example, a soda, which has no nutritional value but a lot of sugar, it will result in uninhibited acid production, the entire time you are sipping it. Compare it to a whole grain piece of bread with peanut butter, which is a carb that does have nutritional value, and also fats that help balance and reduce acid.

A major factor in decay prevention is Fluoride.  Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found everywhere, water, soil, and vegetation. However, the amount we found in nature is rarely enough to make any difference. Minerals are vital to our health and are often added to products we buy, like Calcium in milk and Folate in cereals, because they have been proven to benefit our health, because we do not get enough from our regular diets without the enrichment.  Fluoride is often added to toothpaste, mouth rinses, and even some cities have a controlled amount in their water supply. Fluoride binds to your enamel and strengthens it against the effects of acid. Some people benefit from extra Fluoride, much like some people benefit from extra Calcium.  We suggest that all of our patients are able to get enough to help prevent decay, and can even give a prescription if it is needed.

These are just the basics for preventing tooth decay. So tell us where you are in all of this, ask questions, and voice your concerns. To be effective, it is necessary to create a plan to address your individual needs. Let us help find what will work for you.

Not everyone accepted this idea, of course, and in recent years scientific research has proven that the two are bound together, and not separate at all.  Your dentist understands in depth, the part of you that your physician does not typically address.  Your physician looks after the rest of you, diagnosing and treating the conditions that the dentist cannot.

Bleeding gums, bone loss, loose teeth, … your body is fighting a battle.

This recent research has proven that periodontal disease is linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even premature birth.  The facts of periodontal disease include that it affects the foundations of your teeth. Bleeding gums, bone loss, loose teeth, these are some of things you can find in the mouth when one has periodontal disease.  What you don’t see is that your body is fighting a battle.

Periodontal disease means that harmful bacteria are present. Just like any other infection, your body tries to fight it and heal itself. The condition can often go unnoticed, because it is usually not painful, and without regular dental care, it can, and will continue unchecked. So the body continues to fight. The bacteria enter the bloodstream. While the main infection is in your mouth, it is also systemic, widespread throughout the body.

Now research has had trouble pinpointing the specific factors from periodontal disease that put you at risk for other conditions.  There are several theories being tested and examined, but the simple fact remains, it is connected.

You get your regular checkup with your family doctor; see the specialists they recommend, but what about the dentist?  Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, these are all quite serious conditions.  Are you at increased risk because of your oral health?  The dentist can diagnose, treat, and work with you to lower your risk.  There are even tests available to see if you are genetically more likely to have periodontal disease. Modern medicine has given us the tools and knowledge to help prevent, treat, and anticipate serious conditions and diseases. Take care of your whole body.

Did you know that periodontal disease, the bacterial infection that deteriorates the foundational tissues of your teeth, is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults? Did you also know that approximately 30% of the population has a gene that predisposes them to this disease? Are you wondering if there is a way to tell if you are part of this 30%? Well, you’re in luck because there is, and it is offered here at Dental Dynamics.

Thanks to the latest technological developments of OralDNA Labs, two different tests are available which will help your dentist or hygienist determine the appropriate treatment for your individual situation. These tests include the MyPerioPath Test and the MyPerioID PST Test. Both tests are simple to take, quickly processed and returned and provide a wealth of information regarding your oral health.

As mentioned above, periodontal disease is bacterial infection. MyPerioPath testing measures the levels of specific bacteria in your mouth that can cause gingivitis and periodontitis, or periodontal disease. It is important to have this information not only for your oral health, but also for your overall health because it is well known that one can impact the other. Advances in research have proven links between periodontal disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.

To determine if you are genetically at risk for periodontal disease you can request a MyPerioPath PST test. This test will provide specific information that will help your dentist and hygienist determine of you are at an increased risk for serious periodontal infections. This information in important to know ahead of time if you have a family history of periodontal disease or if you have a compromised immune response. Also, if you have received treatment but continue to show signs of active periodontal disease this test could provide the answers you’ve been searching for.

Sedation for dental treatment is a remarkable way to have your oral health needs taken care of while addressing the concerns of fear or discomfort. Under moderate conscious sedation, fear and anxiety are greatly diminished, if not gone entirely. The body is able to relax, making tension and the following muscle soreness nearly obsolete.

Another benefit to sedation dentistry is that for the patient, the hours pass with little notice.  If you anticipate a large amount of treatment or a long appointment, being sedated can make an hour feel like minutes.  This is very useful and valuable to having a positive experience at the dentist.

Sedation dentistry has become a safe and reliable method of treating the whole patient in order to improve oral health.

In addition, sedation can produce a mild amnesia of the treatments done.  This can reduce the memories of anxiety causing procedures, or any parts of dental treatment that can be seen as unpleasant.

Sedation dentistry has become a safe and reliable method of treating the whole patient in order to improve oral health. There are different levels and types of sedation available to suit your needs and qualified dental professionals and dentist ready to guide you through.  We see that there is more to you than your teeth and gums, and we give you the choice to find the best way for you to proceed with treatment.  Many of our patients that started out their treatment with sedation have been able to use their experiences as a tool to improve how they perceive the dentist.  In fact, many no longer use sedation, because they are now comfortable and no longer dread dental treatment.

Why do you try to avoid the dentist? Would it help to just relax, let the time fly by, forget the “unpleasant” parts, reduce discomfort, and at the end of the day be on the road to improved oral health? It nearly seems like almost anyone would value sedation for these qualities. As for me, being a patient instead of the provider is not so easily or comfortably done, so I certainly do see the value of sedation. Think on it, if it can benefit your dental health, and give a more positive outlook on going to the dentist, sedation dentistry may be a solution for you.

Please take a moment and view Linda’s video testimonial For Linda, the focus of her dental visit was not only the dental treatment, but the people of Dental Dynamics who helped her through the experience. Linda talks with us about her experience with the dedicated professionals at Dental Dynamics.

Although plaque is the main cause, there are other factors that can play a significant role in periodontal disease.  Some of those factors are smoking and tobacco use, genetics, systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, stress, pregnancy and menopause, and obesity and poor nutrition.

It is common knowledge that smoking is the cause of many health conditions such as cancer, lung and heart disease. However, what you may not know is that tobacco use has been linked also to periodontal disease as one of the major contributing factors to development and progression of the disease. In addition, studies have shown that smoking after periodontal therapy can slow down the healing process and hinder the results.

Research shows that up to 30% of the population has a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible to gum disease.  Fortunately, there have been genetic tests developed that can identify these patients before they even show signs of the disease.  This, along with regular dental cleanings and exams, will help ensure that your oral health is maintained over a lifetime.

It has long been suspected by dentists and dental professionals that inflammation in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body. This has been confirmed by many studies showing a link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s, all of which are chronic inflammatory diseases. It is important to recognize this, and seek a periodontal exam if you have been diagnosed with any of these.

Stress can also be a contributing factor to periodontal disease. It has been shown that stress makes it more difficult for your body to fight off infection.

Stress can also be a contributing factor to periodontal disease. It has been shown that stress makes it more difficult for your body to fight off infection. Also, when you are stressed, it is common to clench or grind your teeth.  This puts excess forces on the supporting tissues of the teeth and can speed up the rate at which they deteriorate.

A woman’s health needs are unique. At particular times, such as pregnancy or menopause, hormonal changes can affect many areas of the body including the gums. They can become sensitive, swollen and erythemic, or red.  Studies have also shown that pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to deliver pre-mature or low birth weight babies. If you feel like you are experiencing “pregnancy gingivitis,” it may be helpful to have more frequent dental cleanings during this time.

As you may already know, a diet low in essential nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Periodontal disease is a serious infection and poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.

Toby’s toothache was becoming quite severe. Although a “tooth ache” sounds fairly easy, Toby’s experience was quite complex and resulted in several visits and dental implants. Toby talks with us about his experience in this video testimonial.

I have been a dental assistant for 10 years now. My job is both challenging and rewarding. Even after 10 years I’m still amazed how cosmetic dentistry and transforming a smile gives patients back their confidence.

One day, a young woman came into our office wanting to learn more about dental veneers. She had heard that there are many different options that can help with her smile. She explained to us that for years she had not smiled. We saw that when she laughed, she covered her mouth. The young woman continued to explain that she has felt very insecure for a long time and would now like to have her smile back. When she was younger, she dealt with eating disorders that had damaged her teeth. Now that she was better, she was ready to have her smile back.

After explaining to her that we could restore her smile with dental veneers you could immediately see the relief in her face. She was really excited and wanted to get started right away. We took the necessary records and scheduled her for the following week.

On the day of preparing the teeth for the veneers, this young woman came in still covering her smile. She was excited, but there were lingering insecurities. When she left with the temporary veneers, you could already start to see the weight of years of insecurity begin to lift from her shoulders. Our patient already loved her temporary dental veneers and we explained to her the permanent dental veneers would look and feel even better. She could not wait for her final veneers to be back from the dental lab three weeks later.

Coming back for her final dental veneer appointment, our patient came in with excitement, but again with a hand covering her smile. After getting our patient comfortable with a blanket and movie glasses we began with the final stage of seating the dental veneers.  We removed her temporaries and permanently cemented her veneers.

When it was time to show her, her final veneers and the new smile, she was speechless. All she could do was cry. After gaining her composure, she gave us all hugs and thanked us over and over again. We could feel her confidence returning rapidly. Not only did it seem that her insecurity was gone, you could feel her confidence. She instantly stood taller. She spoke without putting her hand over her mouth and she did not stop smiling.

It is the many patients we see that gain their confidence with a restored smile that make coming to work so enjoyable. Being a part of something that is life changing for one person is such a great experience. I get to see first-hand the transformation a restored smile gives people.  A beautiful smile is truly the pathway to a person’s confidence.

Take a moment and listen to Kacie’s story. Kacie came to Dental Dynamics for the cosmetic dental procedure of dental veneers. She talks with us about the people of Dental Dynamics and how the office amenities made her procedure easier.

Do you really need dental x-rays at the dentist?  They are inconvenient, often uncomfortable, and then they have the radiation factor.  On the flip side, x-rays show if you have tooth decay, abnormalities of the teeth and jaw, and can spare you significant pain and expense when these problems are caught early.  As a patient, you will always have the choice to decline or accept x-rays as a diagnostic tool. Unfortunately, I have found that the facts about dental x-rays are often misunderstood or unknown altogether.

I have met many patients that decline on the basis that they “feel just fine”.  Right away, I can say that not all dental problems cause pain or discomfort, in fact, it is better to find things like decay and periodontal disease in the early (and often painless) stages. This can give you the option of treating the problem sooner, reducing overall expense, discomfort, and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.  There are even some patients that feel little to nothing, with large cavities or severe periodontal disease that would have benefited from regular x-rays. It could have spared them the process of root canals and even tooth loss.

Another reason I often hear from patients is that they wish to avoid the radiation.  It is true; that dental x-rays emit radiation, but it is far less than you may think.  Radiation is a constant in all of our lives. Many people may be unaware that they are exposed to radiation on a daily basis, from the food they eat, the places they live, and even the people they sleep next to!

More specifically, our office uses digital technology for taking x-rays, which decreases radiation up to 80% compared to standard x-ray films.  The low dose from our digital dental x-rays, taken twice a year, accounts for less than one half of one percent of the radiation the average person receives annually.  We take even this small amount of radiation seriously, and by using the latest technologies you can rest assured that our diagnostic tools are as safe as possible.

Another noteworthy fact is that dental x-rays are often required to ethically and legally begin any treatment.  Dental x-rays can detect and confirm the presence of a problem, and most insurance companies require them to approve treatment.  The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Dental Association (ADA) also require that you sign a release if you decline x-rays, because you risk having an undiagnosed condition that can cause potential harm.

Think about the benefits gained by having regular dental x-rays.  Problems are diagnosed sooner; the treatment can be less extensive and less expensive.  Pain can be avoided from badly decayed teeth or gum disease.  You can keep your teeth healthier, longer.  The amount of information on this topic is boundless, but here you have a start.  Never hesitate to ask us about what is important to you.  It is your health, your life, and we want you to know the facts so you can decide what is best for you.