Recently we came across a really good tasting toothpaste from Australia that didn’t have fluoride in it. There are many American brands that use all natural ingredients and are fluoride free, but most of the mainstream brands have fluoride in them. We have a lot of patients ask us about the benefits of using fluoride over non-fluoride toothpaste.  We want to clarify any misconceptions and break down the pros and cons of each.

First we must understand that fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical found in the earth. It is found in small amounts in the air, water and in even in some plants. But be careful, just because it is a naturally occurring component of the environment does not mean it is good for humans to ingest. In fact fluoride can be poisonous if ingested, especially in large quantities, that is why toothpaste containers with fluoride in them have a warning to contact the poison control if ingested. But as a topical treatment fluoride can provide great benefits to teeth.

The presence of fluoride in the mouth can attract other minerals (such as calcium) to the area. Calcium is good for our bones and helps maintain our teeth with a strong and healthy structure. What role does fluoride play in preventing tooth decay? Studies have shown that the benefits of fluoride are achieved only with topical application — not from ingestion. An exposure to fluoride (like that contained in toothpaste and city tap water) is the most effective cavity prevention treatment available today.

Toothpaste with flouride  is used to assist in good dental hygiene. Research has shown that it can reduce plaque, remove tarter, and clean and protect the teeth. Most of the cleaning action from brushing the teeth actually occurs from the abrasive back and forth action of the toothbrush.

Non-fluorinated toothpastes use natural ingredients such as hydrated silica, cranberry extract and xylitol to prevent the adhesion of bacteria to teeth and remove plaque. A derivative of silicon dioxide, hydrated silica is a mild abrasive that works synergistically with calcium carbonate to remove plaque. Hydrated silica also gives a gel-like texture to the toothpaste and helps remove stains. that contains hydrated silica, cranberry and xylitol.

Here is a quick guide to help you understand the causes of stained teeth.

Food
Teeth are made of porous enamel, which means that dark colored foods such as blueberries, coffee and red wine can seep into the pores. Frequently eating dark colored foods and beverages can stain your teeth over time. High acidic foods are a main culprit to discoloration of the teeth. An easy way to remember what foods cause teeth to stain over time is to consider if the food would stain a carpet. If it would ruin your carpet it can be damaging to your precious white teeth. But fear not, you do not have to cut out your favorite foods, rather enjoy them moderately and make sure to rinse your mouth out with water after each meal. Brush your teeth twice a day will help prevent discoloration as well.

Poor Oral Hygiene
Natural environmental influences such as smoke, second hand smoke, the foods we eat and drink can all contribute to teeth discoloration. But when we have poor health habits and do not brush our teeth daily the teeth will change color very quickly. Practicing proper oral care habits will help your overall health. By maintaining a regular routine of brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist twice a year will help prevent larger health issues from occurring.

Diseases
Many people do not realize that their overall health is connected to their oral health. Which means some disease can actually cause teeth discoloration. Some health conditions are known to affect the tooth’s enarment and dentin, which is the inner layer of the tooth. Certain treatments involving radiation can help. See your Dentist and Doctor for more details.

Tips to Prevent Teeth Staining
1. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day

2. Avoid and limit foods and beverages that can cause stains.

3. Rinse your mouth with water after each meal.

4. Stop smoking and chewing on tobacco.

5. Use over the counter whitening products.

6. Visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleaning.

Build a Routine

A routine for caring for your children’s teeth can start when they’re babies, by wiping down their gums with a clean cloth after feedings. As they grow into toddlers and teeth appear, exchange the cloth for small toothbrushes to use twice daily.
As your children become preschoolers, the habit of taking care of teeth has been firmly established. Your kids will know that in your family, teeth are brushed twice a day with soft-bristled toothbrushes that are replaced every three months. Floss can also be introduced at this stage, cleaning out plaque from in-between teeth.

Even as kids grow older and start school, they’ll need help brushing and flossing correctly in order to take proper care of their teeth.

Brushing Can Be Fun!

There’s a lot to pay attention to when it comes to taking care of their teeth, and kids aren’t necessarily known for their patience. To get teeth shiny and clean, we need to spend two to three minutes brushing all sides of them. I have found that taking turns with my children during teeth-brushing time helps keep them on-task, as well as singing verses from their favorite songs. Try using the ABC song to help kids keep brushing longer, singing it through more than once.

Modeling and discussion through play is also a great way to help children process a healthy-teeth habit. To help small children especially, find a doll and have your child “brush” the doll’s teeth. Have your child talk about what he/she is doing, and review the basics about how to brush properly. Research picture books and DVD’s at your local library which reinforce the basics of good oral hygiene.

Use Fun Products

Let your kids have choices when it comes to taking care of their teeth. There’s a variety of kid-friendly products out there, including toothbrushes that have songs and special characters, fun toothpaste, cute reusable cups, and mouthwash that turns your kids’ teeth blue where brushing is required.

Have a few different toothbrushes for your kids to choose from, and teach them how to put pea-sized amounts of toothpaste on the bristles. Keep them brushing for extended amounts of time while singing a simple song, like the ABC’s. Don’t forget to review rinsing and spitting!

A Family Affair

Building good dental hygiene habits starts with you. Set a healthy example by showing your kids that you eat well, brush correctly, floss, and visit your dentist every six months. Take your children for regular visits to the dentist beginning in their toddler years for cleaning and checkups. Consistent practice of good dental hygiene habits will help ensure the best for your children as they grow!

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Good Basic Oral Hygiene

One of the best ways to fight bad breath is through good basic oral habits. The food particles remaining in our mouths after eating basically rot. Bacteria also uses these particles to form plaque. This process leads to bad breath. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with regular dental visits, can keep your mouth clean and smelling fresh.

Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing after every meal is ideal, but not necessarily realistic. Although it shouldn’t be used solely to replace brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash after a meal can help clean out food particles and cut down on harmful bacteria. If there’s no mouthwash available, rinse out your mouth well with water.

Smart Eating Habits

Eating well helps keep our smiles healthy and strong. A diet rich in Vitamin C helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Foods like berries, melons and citrus fruits instead of supplements are best. Also, crunchy foods like apples, carrots and celery clean teeth naturally. Avoid sugary foods that stick to your teeth, as well as onions and garlic – these continue to cause bad breath while they’re digesting.

Fresh Herbs

Herbs are easy to grow and maintain, and a wide variety help fight bad breath. Choose from spearmint, eucalyptus, cardamom, rosemary, tarragon, and coriander, and chew on them after meals or throughout the day. If you prefer, soak the herbs in hot water and drink like tea!

Stay Fresh

Although brushing and flossing are ideal, there are simple steps to help keep breath fresh during the day. Drink plenty of water, rinsing your mouth out after meals. Although they tend to mask bad breath instead of helping to eradicate it, gum and mints are helpful in a pinch, as long as they’re sugarless.

Fighting bad breath can be done easily using these simple strategies.

What is the Purpose of Fillings?

Fillings are required when there’s evidence of tooth decay, also known as cavities. Tooth decay is caused by bacterria that, when exposed to sugar, create acide that attacks teeth. Enamel breaks down, creating a hole that is called a cavity. Fillings are materials placed in teeth that help stop the progress of tooth decay and protect it for future use.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam has been used for over 100 years in tooth fillings, and is recognized as a standard material in dental procedures. The word “amalgam” comes from amalgamation, which means “mixture.” These fillings include a combination of different metals, including copper, silver, and mercury.

Why Mercury-Free Fillings?

It’s the presence of mercury that has caused controversy in recent years.  Mercury is a known toxin, and there has been concern among scientists and dental professionals that mercury is released from these metal fillings when they’re placed and when we use our teeth to chew.

With advances in dental technology, amalgam is no longer required for most procedures as it has been used in the past. Instead of amalgam, substitutions made from porcelain or similar composites are used that look and wear like regular teeth – and don’t contain mercury.

Should Amalgam Fillings Be Replaced?

Although there is concern, there’s been no definitive evidence regarding long-term harm from amalgam fillings. If you currently have a metal filling, it needs to be regularly evaluated by your dentist – if it still functions well, it should be left alone. However, if it needs to be replaced, consider talking with your dentist about alternatives to amalgam fillings.

Avoiding Future Fillings

There has been a recent decrease in the use of amalgam, due to the increase of alternative materials for fillings as well as a decrease in the presence of cavities. Avoiding future fillings, however, has a lot to do with a solid daily oral hygiene routine. A balanced diet, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing once a day can go a long way toward keeping teeth healthy, strong and free of fillings!

Dental Exam

A dental exam is a preventive measure, like a regular physical with a medical doctor. The exam helps you and your dentist keep track of the health of your teeth, as well as any potential problems or new situations that may crop up. Regular visits are extremely important for establishing and maintaining a healthy baseline – the American Dental Association recommends dental exams every six months.

The cost for a dental exam ranges from fifty to a little over a hundred dollars, a small price to pay for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you don’t have dental insurance, check with your state’s health department for low-cost options available to you, or make payment arrangements with your dentist’s office.

X-rays

They might be tempting to skip, but x-rays are an important part of a regular dental check-up. The x-rays taken of your mouth can identify potential problems that don’t present any symptoms, like impacted teeth, tumors, bite problems, tooth decay or periodontal disease.

The cost of dental x-rays range from about fifteen to a little over a hundred dollars, and the standard bitewing x-rays are more budget-friendly than new technology in this area. If money is an issue, don’t forego the x-rays altogether. Instead, talk with your dentist and dental hygienist regarding your financial concerns and the x-rays that you can afford.

Teeth Cleaning

No matter how well or how often you brush and floss your teeth, a professional dental cleaning is essential to your health. Bacteria sticks to your teeth and forms plaque, which hardens into a yellowish substance called tartar. Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum disease.
A professional cleaning prevents plaque and tartar build-up, avoiding gum disease and the costly treatments it requires. A professional teeth cleaning is reasonably priced around fifty dollars, and may be combined with a dental exam.

Fillings

Cavities are prevalent in our society for people of all ages. They can also be undetected with few symptoms until a painful toothache requires expensive emergency treatment. Cavities can also lead to tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and tooth loss.

A dental exam and having any cavities filled can help you avoid these scenarios, stopping the development of cavities. Standard fillings – called amalgam – cost around seventy-five dollars and can be done fairly quickly.

Consider the money you spend on any of these procedures an investment in your health – after all, you’re worth it!

Choose the Best Toothbrush

There are several brands with different styles of toothbrushes, but how do you know which one is best for you?
First, your toothbrush should fit comfortably in your hand. Handles differ in size and shape, so choose one that will fit the size of your hand, and isn’t too heavy or light.

Your toothbrush should also fit comfortably in your mouth. Your mouth and teeth may be bigger or smaller depending upon your frame. Ideally, the toothbrush should be able to reach your teeth at the very back of your mouth to keep them healthy and clean. If in doubt, choose a smaller toothbrush versus a larger one.

Bristles are Important

It may seem like the tougher the bristles, the better they will clean your teeth. However, the bristles of your brush should be soft or extra soft. This way, your gums won’t be harmed by your toothbrush bristles.

These bristles need to to reach inside the spaces between your teeth and gums to remove plaque and bacteria. Hold the brush at a forty-five degree angle instead of perpendicular to your teeth, with the bristles directed at those spaces.

Gently Brushing Your Teeth

Just like the bristles of the toothbrush, the motions you use to brush your teeth should be soft. Use short strokes back and forth or in a circular motion to avoid hurting your gums.

Every surface of each tooth needs to be brushed thoroughly, including the top, bottom, outsides and insides of your teeth. Spend time brushing the back of your teeth, cleaning the crevices along the top of each tooth where food can get stuck.
These strategies will ensure that you are cleaning your teeth well each time you brush!

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Don’t Forget to Brush

It’s true, I’m guilty of it too… running out of the house without brushing my teeth. The only advantage I have is my dental office has plenty of toothbrushes and toothpaste, so I can brush when I get to the office. I recommend you keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your car for each family member, just in case one of them forgets as well. When you brush your teeth, it removes the germs in your mouth. That means, less cavities and often, the healthier you will be.

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush at least two times per day, yet I encourage you to brush after each meal. And if for some reason you can’t brush, a good alternative is to chew gum with xitol or eat an apple. Both will help remove and wash away the germs that often stick to your teeth.

Why Should I Floss?

A patient of ours asked us this question: “I brush often and my teeth are healthy, do I still needd to floss?” Our answer: Yes, after each time you brush your teeth, it is a good habit to floss. Flossing helps to remove what brushing doesn’t. It gets between the teeth and into the gum lines helping your teeth stay healthy and beautiful.

The Importance Of A Bi-Yearly Check-Up

Last year, for one reason or another, we saw some of our patients hold off on their six month check-up, only to find out later that they had a tooth ache or new cavity appear. Those little issues cost them more money than if they had come in for their check-up and could have been prevented.

Don’t forget that your six-month check-ups are very important part of your ongoing health. Plus, a good cleaning helps your mouth and teeth shine, and that’s an important aspect to feeling good about yourself! Call us at 503-639-6900, we’re here for you if you have any questions.

Dr. da Costa recommends that you take the provided pain medication within one hour of leaving our office. This allows the medication to get into your blood stream before the anesthesia we administered subsides. Generally, only one dose is needed.

It is not uncommon for your tooth to feel uncomfortable or have a dull ache immediately after root-canal therapy. Expect this discomfort to subside within a few days. In addition, your tooth may feel sensitive when biting and or even feel loose. This sensitivity comes from the nerve-endings near the root of your tooth, where we cleaned, irrigated and placed filler and sealer material. This sensitivity will be short lived.

Whenever possible, try to chew on the opposite side from the tooth we have just treated, until you have a final restoration placed. Until this time, your tooth is weakened and could fracture (requiring its removal).  Please avoid chewing gum, caramels or other sticky soft candy. These can dislodge your temporary filling or cause tooth fracture.

If your pain persists and becomes intolerable, please don’t hesitate to call us at 503-639-6900.

Drinks that are high in sugar encourage the growth of acid that helps weaken teeth and makes them more susceptible to develop cavities. The following tips come highly recommended by Dr. da Costa to help lower the pH level in your mouth and prevent future cavities:

• Have regularly scheduled professional cleanings, exams, and perform daily brushing and flossing at home.
• Limit not only sugary/carbohydrate containing items in your diet, but also even non-sugar containing acidic beverages (diet soda, coffee, tea, sparkling water, alcohol).
• Consider the acidity (pH) of the dental products you are using. Do they neutralize your mouth? Know your pH. Don’t just brush and floss. . . neutralize!
• Xylitol is a very effective agent for limiting the acids produced by bacteria and comes in a variety of gums, wipes, sprays, rinses, toothpastes, etc.
• Using products with xylitol and an alkaline pH, in conjunction with fluoride, may be the most preventive method.

Keep the pH in your mouth neutral especially after eating and drinking by limiting the amount of sugar you consume throughout the day.

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