In the dental profession, we often see decay that seems reoccurring. While some people are more susceptible to an oral bacteria that is particularly harmful to tooth enamel, the real culprit is often in our hands, not our DNA.

In conversation, patients will occasionally admit they sip on a soda throughout the day. This continual intake of a sugary beverage may give a little perk to their time at a desk, but it places an ongoing attack in your mouth.

Every time you eat or drink something (other than water), an acid attack occurs in your mouth. If you’ve ever heard that digestion begins in the mouth, this is the first stage of the process. While that acid helps in digestion, your teeth are getting bombarded with the acid, which is not beneficial to teeth. So, when you sip on a soda over a long period of time, the acid attack is continual.

Even artificially sweetened drinks without sugar (in any form) are harmful, as the mouth perceives the contents as food. And, as if you needed an added reason to toss the can, research has now found that the caramel coloring in sodas is actually a cancer-causing chemical 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MeI.

Labels on these brown sodas list the chemical as “caramel coloring,” which sounds innocent. Yet, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer says it contributes to cancer when consumed in certain amounts.

Dry mouth increases your risk for cavities and gum diseases. Nothing cleanses the mouth like good, clean water. And, you can sip that all day, every day and your smile will thank you!

If you do not have a phobia when it comes to dental visits, feel lucky. For those with dental phobia, here’s what many experience:

• Not being able to sleep the night before a dental visit
• Being highly nervous while in the waiting room
• Crying when seeing a dentist or seeing instruments
• Feeling panicked when instruments are placed in the mouth
• Finding it difficult to breathe during treatment

According to a survey by the American Association of Endodontists (dentists who specialize in root canals), 80% of American adults fear the dentist with over half admitting they avoid seeing a dentist until the need becomes dire.

Approximately 5 – 10 percent of Americans are considered dental phobics, adults who are so terrified of dental visits that they avoid dental care altogether. And, according to a study involving over 11,000 adults, women are nearly twice as likely to have extreme anxiety than men.

We occasionally see an adults who, after finally gaining the strength to see a dentist, was lectured or made to feel guilty about not properly caring for their teeth. This is something I’ll never understand since it does nothing to help the patient feel more comfortable with their dental visits.

In our office, all patients are treated with respect and a gentle hand at every visit. For people who have a high level of fear or phobia, we can provide an oral sedation that is taken prior to their arrival. This allows them to be in a relaxed state before they reach our office. They are promptly seated in a treatment room and made comfortable while the sedation takes full effect.

If you have dental fears or know someone who does, please suggest they contact us at (828) 274-9440. When a is repair needed in the mouth, it will only worsen when care is delayed. Delay in care typically results in more extensive treatment, more time and greater expense.

Let’s discuss your fears. Then, we can talk about what will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable at every visit. Our job is to have you smiling your best – every day! Call to speak to our friendly receptionist to see how you can take that first step!

I occasionally see “deals” being advertised on dental implants and cringe since I know things the general public doesn’t. While not always the case, some of these low-priced implants are being placed by practitioners who’ve taken weekend courses. These courses are typically sponsored by the manufacturers or distributors of particular implant types.

What is especially concerning about these “cheap” options is knowing how many things can go wrong, causing the patient to lose all the time and money spent on getting a “good deal.” Because the success of an implant depends largely on the proper selection of implant type, the angle it is positioned into the bone and the depth it is placed, the risk of failure (and thus, need for removal) increases greatly.

As a highly-involved part of my additional years of training in the specialty of periodontics (after four years of dental school) was the study on the intricate aspects of dental implants. Understanding how to select the appropriate type for each individual’s need and precision placement aspects give patients an exceptionally high rate of success.

Dental implants are one of the most successful of all implant-in-bone procedures. With proper selection, placement and ongoing hygiene commitment, dental implants have an extremely high potential to last your lifetime. They are designed to integrate with your jaw bone in a way that the bone grows around it, implant and bone becoming as one.

What is often the case when pursuing these “bargain” implants is the low price often covers placement of the implant only (the portion placed in the bone under the gums). The patient then discovers there are additional costs, including fees for sedation, the operatory suite, follow-up visits, necessary extractions, etc. Too, these fees often do not include the the replacement teeth, a rather necessary part of treatment!

Once you consult with a specialist who is skilled in the proper selection and precision placement of all types of dental implants, you’ll find there is a difference. Ask questions, learn all your options and base your decision on what will provide a satisfying, successful outcome.

Saving money feels good when our goal for making the investment achieves our expectations. When we find we’ve wasted our hard-earned dollars, we feel cheated. However, in the long run, the outcome comes back to a decision we willingly made. After all, no one took the money out of our pocket.

You can get the most for your money when it comes to dental implants and enjoy a healthier, more confident life. Call us for a Consultation: (828) 274-9440.