The Dental Nerd

Dental FAQ: Do I really need those xrays?

2012-02-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

X-rays. Nobody likes getting them. (Well, unless you're a true Dental Nerd... Some of us do find them pretty darn fascinating.) They can be uncomfortable and if you don't have insurance, costly. So are they really necessary? Why does the doctor request them?

Can you imagine doing your job without the necessary tools? For example, if you are a mechanic, would you use a hammer to remove an oil filter? And even if there is a mechanic out there who could pull that off (excuse the pun), would any of us want to take our car to be serviced by him or her?

In a similar way, dental x-rays (or radiographs, if you want to be nerdy about it), are vital tools that a dentist needs in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Without current and legible films, he or she is unable to fully care for your health needs-- and like that mechanic with the hammer, could cause more harm than good. For that reason, your dentist is ethically and legally obligated to request x-rays when you are due.

Does that mean you have to have x-rays every six months? Every year? Every two years? It depends. Your need is based on your risk. No two people are alike.

What factors determine risk? Your genetics play a role, as does your history-- for example, have you had decay within the last year? Do you have a history of bone loss (when the bony support around each tooth begins to drop away, perhaps due to gum disease or other factors)?

All of these questions are great topics for discussion with your hygienist and your doctor. They can assess your risk and help determine what schedule you should be on for optimal care.

If you want more information, here is a great resource. In the meantime, I've got to go. I just found a hammer and I've got some auto maintenance to perform.

Dental Mythbusters : Chewing Tobacco

2011-09-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Myth: Chewing tobacco causes tooth decay because it creates acid in the mouth.

Fact: Chewing tobacco is actually alkaline, not acidic! This is a surprise to some Dental Nerds out there, since we're always thinking of acidic substances in the mouth as the "bad guys" when it comes oral health. But the fact is, tobacco companies in America deliberately produce chewing tobacco that weighs in at a pH of about 8.

So does this mean that chew isn't harmful for your mouth?

Uh.... no. Nice try.

It's the sugar added to smokeless tobacco that causes tooth decay. Other negative effects are an increased risk for oral cancer, gum recession, periodontal disease -- even an increased risk of pancreatic cancer according to some studies. Not to mention -- it's expensive! An average can of dip runs about $3 - which means a two-can-a-week habit costs about $300 per year. A can a day could run up to $1,100 in a year!

Most people who use chew know it's harming them -- but quitting is so much easier said than done. It's not in your imagination -- The alkaline pH in chew actually causes more nicotine to be absorbed, which means that chewing tobacco can be even more addictive than cigarettes. A 2-can-a-week snuff dipper gets as much nicotine as a 1-1/2 pack-a-day smoker does. All of that adds up to a very, very difficult habit to beat.

**Note:
If you're trying to quit chew, don't get discouraged! There are lots of resources available to help you succeed! You might start here - a really great Guide for Quitting that will talk you through the first few weeks. And don't be afraid to talk to your friendly local Dental Nerd. You're not alone - and your dental team can be a wealth of encouragement, support and good advice. Keep looking here for more tips!

Dental FAQ- "Should I Skip That Cleaning?"

2011-08-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

While the newscasters might be saying the economy is improving, most Americans are still feeling the pinch. (Four dollar gas isn't exactly helping.) We've all had to cut back-- and for a lot of Americans, that has translated into skipping dental appointments. So... what's the deal? Is it really necessary for everyone to have two cleanings a year? Are there health risks to forgoing dental treatment? How can we balance our dental wellbeing and our checkbook in tight economic times?

Q: Do I really have to have my teeth cleaned twice a year?

A: It depends. Dental risk varies from person to person. Factors like diet, lifestyle and health all affect your dental need -- not to mention the big culprit -- genetics. Do you smoke? Do you live with diabetes? Did your parents lose teeth to gum disease? How quickly does calculus form on your teeth? How acidic is your mouth environment? (Yes, that varies from person to person -- and it has a huge impact on your risk for decay!) These are all factors that determine how often you need to have your teeth cleaned. A person with no risk factors really may only need a cleaning once a year. On the other hand, a person with active gum disease may require three or four cleanings in a year to avoid losing teeth to infection and gum disease.

The only way to determine which category you are in is to visit your dentist and have a thorough exam.

So what if your dentist determines you are at high risk? What does that mean for your health? Is it worth the effort - and the expense - to follow through? We'll answer those questions in a future post, keep your eyes here. :)

The Skinny on Grillz. (That's right. I spelled it with a "z")

2011-07-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Don't know what Grillz are?

If you want to feel as square as a certain pineapple-dwelling cartoon sea creature, try asking your local high school age kids. Grillz, also called "fronts," are described by the ADA as "decorative covers often made of gold, silver or jewel-encrusted precious metals that snap over one or more of their teeth."

At least, that would describe the kind you might have seen them being flashed on the red carpet at the MTV Music Awards. Hiphop artists like Nelly and Paul Wall are widely credited with getting the fad rolling. The grills you're more likely to see teenagers sporting are often from online do-it-yourself kits or local vendors.

I think we can all agree that grillz are destined to fade into ignominy alongside shoulder pads and Jheri curls -- but unfortunately, the downside of this particular fad can be more severe than the inevitably embarrassing high school yearbook photos of short-lived fashion crimes in years past.

For example, the ADA warns:

Food and other debris may become trapped between the teeth and the grill allowing bacteria (PDF) to collect and produce acids.
The acids can cause tooth decay and harm gum tissue.
Bacteria may also contribute to bad breath. There also is the potential for grills to irritate surrounding oral tissues and to wear the enamel away on the opposing teeth

Not convinced? Still dying to purchase a set of "spinners for your mouth"? You may want to check out some chilling before-and-after photos here. But if you or your teen are still determined to bling-ify their smile, here are some tips that will help minimize risk:

Limit the amount of time spent wearing removable grills.
Remove it before eating.
Clean it daily to remove plaque bacteria and food debris. Avoid using jewelry cleaners or any products that are dangerous to ingest.

As for the Dental Nerd, I think I'll stick to bedazzling my horn-rimmed glasses, thanks. :)

Q & A : What can I do about dry mouth?

2011-03-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Saliva is one of the most underrated substances on Planet Earth. Don't believe the Dental Nerds? (Why not? Is it the "I Heart Saliva" t-shirt?) Just ask any of the approximately 25 million Americans who suffer from chronic dry mouth, whether because of Sjogren's syndrome or as a side effect of medication. In fact, some statistics suggest that 50% of us may experience dry mouth at some point in our life. A lack of normal salivary function can create all kinds of problems, including a greatly increased risk of decay. So if you're dealing with dry mouth what can you do?

Here are a few tips:

Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
Don't use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth.
Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth.
Use a humidifier at night.

Personally, I'd Rather Have the Eclair...

2011-02-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

So... January is behind us. How is everyone doing on those resolutions?

For most Americans, weight loss and healthier eating is a perennial New Year's goal. Of course, by February at least 30% of us have had enough of tofu and stick-food and we're looking for an easy way out. (And that's just the 30% who are willing to admit it.)

Here's something we can change without much effort : What's that you're drinking?

It's probably not soda if you're trying to lose weight, but if it's a sports drink or so-called "fitness water," you might not be doing your diet any favors.

A recent article from Men's Health touted the "20 Worst Drinks in America," and topping the list under "Worst Water" is Snapple's Agave Melon Antioxidant Water (1 bottle, 20 fl oz). This "health" drink clocks in at 33g of sugar and 150 calories.

That's the equivalent of two (count 'em, two) Good Humor chocolate eclair bars. Seriously. If we're going to be penalized for the calories, let's just eat the ice cream and cut out the middleman.

Quick dental plug: Besides expanding our national waistline, sugary drinks create an acidic environment in your mouth which can promote tooth decay and enamel erosion.

So check out the nutrition information in your fitness water -- only hummingbirds really need that much sugarwater. Grabbing that good old H2O instead will help save your teeth and your resolution.

Prevention on a Budget- Xylitol

2010-11-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

"Prevention is the best cure." Also, generally the most cost-effective. When it comes to your oral health, a healthy diet, good hygeine habits and regular cleanings can save your family hundreds of dollars in the long run.

Here's another weapon for your prevention arsenal: Xylitol gum.

Dentists have been recommending sugarless gum for years. Chewing helps stimulate saliva, which helps buffer the mouth acids that can promote tooth decay. Xylitol adds an extra layer of value for your health -- it's a natural sugar that can prevent cavities -- even reverse beginning decay. It used to be difficult to find gum in which xylitol was the first ingredient, but stores are beginning to get the memo.

The Dental Nerd found this bad boy at the Oregon City Haggen's and snapped up a couple packs -- but I barely got a chance to sample it, as my family immediately took a liking to the fruit flavor and generously helped themselves.

If fruit's not your thing, Xylichews are also available in Mint, Raspberry Mint and several other tempting flavors.

A word to the wise : Make sure that xylitol is the first ingredient on the back of the gum package before you buy. Many brands are starting to advertise that they contain xylitol, but if it's not first in the listing, it is not present in a quantity that will do you much good.

Could Brushing Your Teeth Save Your Life? Why Jessica Simpson Should Be Worried

2010-10-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Could brushing your teeth save your life?

Believe it or not, brushing twice a day could significantly lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

How significantly? A recent study published in the British Medical Journal showed that those who reported they brushed "rarely/never" had a 70% increased risk of heart attack, stroke or "other event" compared to those who reported brushing twice a day! (No British teeth jokes -- the Dental Nerd happens to be of English extraction.)

This puts the Dental Nerd in the totally unexpected position of feeling actual concern for pop singer Jessica Simpson, who told Ellen Degeneres some months ago that she brushes only 3 times a week, because she doesn't like them to "feel too slippery." Um.... let's hope that's an exaggeration.

Texture aside, good oral hygiene (including brushing, flossing and regular cleanings with your hygienist) is good heart care. Gum disease has been linked to a 19% increase in the risk of heart disease--- 44% if you're over 65.

So be good to your heart! Brush your teeth!

Dental Mythbuster : "It's just a baby tooth!"

2010-08-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Myth: It's okay to lose baby teeth to decay. They're going to fall out anyway, right?

Fact: Actually, tooth decay in baby teeth can result in damage to the permanent teeth developing below them. Losing baby teeth prematurely can also sometimes cause the permanent teeth to come in poorly aligned, sometimes requiring orthodontic treatment, according to a recent article published by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

The Fear Factor - How to Cope With Dental Anxiety

2010-07-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Your palms are sweaty. Your breathing is shallow. Your heart is racing. You're scanning your surroundings for possible escape routes. Are you facing down a grizzly bear in the deep woods? No-- you're sitting in the waiting room of your dentist's office.

Does this scenario sound like an exaggeration? For 15% of Americans, this kind of dental anxiety is a fact of life. Avoiding dental treatment only worsens the predicament, as gum disease or tooth decay can progress unchecked without regular care.

That doesn't mean you don't have options. The American Dental Association (ADA) has three simple (and free) recommendations for the fearful patient:

Share your anxiety!

This is the biggie. Getting your concerns out in the open really helps us to adapt treatment to your needs. It also will help you to feel more in control of your dental experience.

Timing is everything

Choose a time of day for your appointment when you are less likely to feel rushed or under pressure. That might be early morning for some, before the stress of your workday. For others, evenings might be best. Our office has appointment times available as early as 7am and as late as 6pm.

Tune out!

Bring your iPod or headset if the sound of the drill bothers you. Crank up the tunes! We promise, we don't take it personally.

These tips might make all the difference for you-- but if you feel like you need a little more support, talk to us about options for sedation.

Remember, you're not alone. Armed with good communication, a game plan and a team you can trust, you can take the "bite" out of your dental anxiety. (Yes... that was a dental pun. They don't call me the Dental Nerd for nothing.)

Welcome to the Nerdery!

2010-07-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome! All of us here at Canby Smiles are excited to debut our new blog. Since Dr. Martin came to Canby in 2000, our office has been a fun and friendly place to receive excellent dental care. Now we're happy to have a home on the Web to keep you up-to-date on office happenings and info that impacts your dental health.

What is a dental nerd? If you've been to our office lately, you already know. For the uninitiated, however, here is an adapted definition from The Urban Dictionary:

Dental Nerd: (noun) A dental professional who is so enthusiastic about teeth and the mouth that it is almost all they think or talk about.

Guilty as charged! Our goal with this blog is to create a place for patients to access all this nerdy goodness without interrupting your baby shower, dinner party or theater-going experience. (Although, seriously, have you ever noticed Tom Cruise's teeth from Days of Thunder compared to Mission Impossible 3? That's some serious dental work going on.)

In the future, look here for information on:

Managing your dental needs in a down economy
Prevention: myths vs. facts
Tips for dealing with dental anxiety -- or dental phobia!
FAQ's for common (and uncommon) dental procedures.

Is there a question you'd like answered or a subject you'd like addressed? Ask the Dental Nerds! You know we want to tell you anyway!