You’d rather avoid a cavity altogether than have it repaired – right? Although daily home care and regular dental cleanings help prevent problems from occurring, some people are more susceptible to decay than others. The following can place you at higher risk:
High Levels Of Bacteria – All people have bacteria in their bodies; however, two kinds (abbreviated as SM and LB) are especially harmful to teeth. Those who have higher levels of these bacteria are naturally at greater risk for tooth decay. These bacteria are also contagious.
Poor Saliva – Saliva helps to move bacteria out of the mouth. Certain medications, age, or particular foods and beverages can contribute to dry mouth.
Deep Pits & Grooves – Back teeth, especially, have pits and grooves which can harbor bacteria. Some people have very deep pits and grooves, creating a warm, moist, dark hideout that is ideal for bacteria growth.
High Sugar Diet – Bacteria in your mouth thrive on refined sugar. From this, an acid is produced which attacks tooth enamel.
Exposed Tooth Roots – Aging, overzealous brushing, or an improper bite can cause gums to pull away from teeth, exposing tooth roots. While this distracts from the appearance of your smile, it also increases the potential for decay to occur in this susceptible area of the tooth.

Now that you know what “ups” your risk for cavities, here are some tips to help you prevent them in the first place!
• Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water. If you are taking medications that are drying, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are alternative medications that are less drying to your mouth. Decrease your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. If you smoke, give it up!
• Bacteria levels can be kept under control with the help of antibacterial rinses. Those that contain chlorhexidine are best for tackling harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• Teeth with deep grooves and pits can be protected in several ways. Sealants can cover these areas on a temporary basis. For extended protection, replacing fillings with inlays, onlays or crowns help to shield the tooth.
• Watch what you eat and how often you eat. Eat healthy. Anytime you consume a food or beverage (other than water), your mouth responds by producing acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel. The acid from refined sugar is most harmful.
• Be committed to your daily oral care regimen. Twice daily brushing and flossing will improve your odds for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Research has shown that people who take psychiatric and anti-anxiety medications commonly experience the reduced ability to create saliva. Studies reveal that those on these medications have a rate of dental decay almost four times as high as normal.

With the overwhelming incidence of gum disease in the U. S., which contributes to tooth loss as well as other serious health repercussions, enhancing your awareness in this regard can greatly reduce your vulnerability.

Please let us know if you have begun taking these medications since your medical history form was last updated.

Several months ago, I ran into a friend I had not seen in over ten years. We chatted for several minutes before we both had to hurry off. Now, every time I think of him, all I can remember was his bad breath.

We’ve all encountered this. Yet, working in an office near someone who has bad breath can seem like daily punishment. And, worse yet, that ‘someone’ may be YOU!

I recently read the results of a consumer survey by the American Association of Periodontists and found it NOT surprising that:
• 32% of Americans say bad breath is the least attractive trait of their co-workers.

That represents nearly a third of all Americans in the job market! Yet, the survey also revealed that:

• 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

When I consider how little time each day that the act of flossing actually requires, I’m shocked. For some reason, adults dread daily flossing more than the chore of the cart, crowds, and lines of a grocery store! Daily flossing helps to keep bacterial growth that contributes to bad breath to minimum levels. It is well worth the time spent. If you struggle with the technique, ask for instructions at your next visit.

A healthy smile always make a positive impression! Be the one in your office who has a ‘close up’ smile others love as much as you!

If you are an arthritis sufferer, you are twice as likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease. Findings published by the Journal of Periodontology stated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) had an average tooth loss of 11.6 teeth compared to 6.7 teeth of other participants in the study. Periodontal disease is the country’s number one cause of tooth loss and has been linked to serious health problems. These include coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and memory loss.

RA is the leading cause of disability and limits the daily activities of over 7 million Americans. We are sensitive to the physical limitations RA can cause and offer these tips to make oral hygiene at home easier.
• Use water irrigators to help remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
• Electric toothbrushes and floss holders can reduce the effort required by hands.
• Wrap toothbrush handles with a sponge hair roller for a thicker grip.
• Replace knob-type faucets with levers, which are easier to turn on and off.
• Insufficient saliva in the mouth increases the risk of bacterial growth. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. If you take medications that are drying, oral rinses can help. Minimize caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, all of which are drying to oral tissues.

With a good oral care commitment, RA sufferers should be able to maintain a healthy smile and prevent tooth loss. If you suffer with arthritis, overcoming the physical limitations to protect your smile will serve as a constant reminder that you have a ‘good grip’ on your health!