Monday, October 27, 2008

Trident Xtra Care: Protects, Strengthens, Rebuilds.

Now you can extend your care beyond the chair in a whole new way: Trident Xtra Care. Recaldent is a unique form of calcium specifically designed for teeth. Recaldent is complex but derived from milk, and it helps actively rebuild and strengthen tooth enamel.
Chewing Trident Xtra Care replaces calcium and phosphate ions, remineralizing tooth enamel and leaving teeth more resistant to plaque acids. Recaldent remains in the plaque layer for up to 3 hours after chewing, leaving a ready pool of calcium and phosphate ions, increasing tooth remineralization. Chewing gum has never strengthened teeth like this before. To learn more go to www. tridentgum.com

Soda and Cavaties






Dentists can usually spot a soda drinker because they are often prone to cavities and white spots on their teeth known as decalcifications, which are actually the start of new cavities. Sweetened soda contains a high amount of sugar, a carbohydrate that can promote cavities. Soda may even be more damaging to the teeth than other sugar containing beverages because it is also acidic. This in itself erodes tooth enamel. When the bacteria in our mouths are exposed to sugar they metabolize and produce acid. As "sugary foods" are eaten (candy, sugar frosted cereal, ice cream, soda) and other carbohydrates this acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel coating on the outer surface of your teeth. Every exposure to these foods allows an acid attack on the teeth for about 20 minutes! Several studies were done on sweetened soda and mineral water. Teeth exposed to cola, orange and lime soda had significantly more decalcification than those exposed to mineral water. Of all sodas tested, cola caused the most.
The easiest way to prevent cavities is by brushing you teeth at least three times a day, especially after eating or drinking your favorite foods. And its always important to brush before bed. Also using a straw with your favorite drinks helps sugar bypass your teeth. So have fun eat and drink your favorite foods and sodas "just brush!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

What does biocompatible dentistry mean?

Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dentistry that focuses on keeping toxic substances out of your mouth and, therefore, your body. And, with modern dentistry, there is no reason why any toxic substances should be used.

Many people come in wanting to have their old, grey or black fillings removed for aesthetic purposes. The new white composite fillings that blend with the teeth simply look better. That may be true but the better reason to replace black/grey/silver fillings is because the amalgam that is used contains Mercury, a highly toxic metal.

Mercury can leech out of these fillings in very small does into your system. And, this sort of filling expands and contracts, endangering the stability of the tooth. In general, we can do better. The composite materials we use in white fillings are stronger, do not expand and contract and are fully biocompatible.

For biocompatible reasons, I would like you to be motivated to have your black/grey/silver fillings replaced. If you need the extra motivation, it looks much better but I would be more concerned with getting the Mercury out of your teeth.

If you have any questions about your fillings or biocompatible dentistry in general, please email me today.