What you eat can affect your teeth!

Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before.  It is clear that "junk" foods, drinks and foods high in carbs and fats gradually have replaced nutrious beverages and foods for many people.

Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day.  When sugar is consumed over and over again in large amounts the harmful effect on teeth supplies food for bacteria which produces acid.  The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth.

Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets.  Many of them contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating.  But there is extra risks for tooth decay if your diet is hight in sugars and starches.  Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Reduce your risk of tooth decay:

• If you choose to consume sugary foods and drinks, do so with meals.  Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
• Limit between-meal snacks.  If you crave a snack, choose nutritious foods, and consider chewing sugarless gum afterward.  Sugarless gum increases saliva flow and helps wash out food and decay-producing acid.
• Drink more water.  Consuming optimally fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay.  If you're choosing bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily  with ADA - Accepted dental products.
• See us regularly for dental check-ups.

Types of Dental Examinations

This blog is covering the types of dental examinations that we use to aid in appropriate treatment. The first examination is the comprehensive oral evaluation. As the name implies, this is an examination that should involve the entire oral complex. This exam is done most frequently with a patient who is new to our dental practice or who has not been seen by their dentist for a number of years. During this exam, we will review the patients current and past medical history as well as the patients current and past dental history. There is often much to be learned before even looking in the patients mouth. A patients expectations, past dental treatment and anxiety level can all be discussed to aid in making the patient more comfortable and informed. Once we begin to examine the patient we will look at much more than teeth. We will also look at the patients periodontal (gums) health. This is accomplished by measuring the space between the teeth and gums.  Excessive tooth wear or mobility of teeth should also be noted. The comprehensive exam will also include an oral cancer screening and a review of any bite or TMJ (jaw joint) issues. After a visual examination, often a complete set of dental x-rays will be imaged. A complete radiographic series should be accomplished every 3-5 years depending on the patients condition. Occasionally, diagnostic molds (impressions) of the teeth will be taken as well as photographs of the mouth. All of this information will be used to determine the level of health and potential need for treatment.

The next type of exam to is the periodic exam. This is accomplished during the patients recare and follow up visits. A review of the medical and dental histories will be accomplished. Since the patient is known to the practice the depth of the exam is lessened but still involves evaluation of the entire oral cavity. This exam can be done by the dental hygienist or dentist, and commonly both. The need for current x-rays will be evaluated depending on the patients condition. The patient should have the results of the exam discussed, as well as any recommendations for necessary treatment.

The most obvious dental examination is the problem focused, or “emergency” exam. This type of exam would take place when a patient realizes that they have a problem and need to seek dental care. Commonly this would occur with the fracture of a tooth or filling or the occurence of pain or trauma. As you would imagine, a diagnosis will need to be made before treatment is rendered, and arriving at the correct diagnosis can be quite obvious, or it can be quite a challenge. Visual examination, past dental history, and appropriate dental x-rays are all tools to aid in arriving at a correct diagnosis.

Hopefully, this blog will help our patients understand that not all dental exams are the same. Each is critical to optimal dental health for the individuals that we treat.

Why You Should See Your Dentist

Your dental exam can detect early signs of diseases.  Gum disease may be associated with other health problems like diabetes and heart disease. 

Oral health check-ups can detect tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer early.  Have dental exams at every stage of your life, you could have gum disease and not know it.  Also patients who wear dentures should have regular dental check-ups.

Five great reasons to get you your teeth cleaned:

1)  to learn about the best way to keep your teeth clean every day

2)  to keep your mouth healthy, which will help keep your whole body healthy

3)  to help prevent gum disease, which chould cause tooth loss

4)  to remove tartar (a hard build-up that makes it tough to clean your teeth)

5)  to get rid of stains on teeth that cannot be removed just by brushing and flossing

At every exam Dr. Steppler does, we check your mouth and neck for signs of disease.  Dr. Steppler will evaluate your general health when developing a plan for your oral treatment, and refer you to a physician if needed.

Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, so be sure you and your family come in for regular visits.