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Bottled Water Lovers : Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethAdults and children who drink only bottled water might be putting their teeth at risk. Filters that many bottlers use to remove chlorine and other chemicals to improve taste also remove fluoride. Children need fluoride for strong, cavity-resistant teeth. Fluoride also is critical for adult teeth because it promotes enamel remineralization. Recent research also shows it helps prevent root caries, cavities at the gum line, in adults. And there is research showing that adequate fluoride consumption is important for maintaining overall bone health.

A spokeswoman for the International Bottled Water Association said the FDA "highly regulates" fluoride in drinking water. The FDA does regulate the amount of fluoride in bottled water, but only at upper limits. Bottlers may add no more than 1.3 milligrams per liter of fluoride to water, or as much as 2 milligrams per liter if that is what naturally occurs in the water source they use.

Those upper limits were set because fluoride levels above them could produce fluorosis, which can leave teeth mottled and discolored.

Conversely, you may be getting too much of the compound if you drink a lot of bottled water that contains added fluoride and you live in an area with fluoridated tap water. To reduce your risk, call your water department to find out if your tap water is fluoridated. Also, check the label of your favorite bottled water. If fluoride is added, it is listed on the label, says the International Bottled Water Association.

Resources :
Better Homes & Garden, www.bhg.com
Water Industry, www.waterindustry.org
International Bottle Water Association, www.bottledwater.org

Next Month Article: Whitening Treatments

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Tooth Whitening Treatments

Start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not change the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.


What is in-office bleaching?
If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.

During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

What are at-home procedures and products?
There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.

Bleaching solutions:
Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely. Currently, only dentist-dispensed home-use 10% carbamide peroxide tray-applied gels carry the ADA Seal.

You also may want to speak with your dentist should any side effects become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation—either from a tray that doesn’t fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with your dentist.

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethToothpastes:
All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

How should I choose a whitening product?
When selecting a whitener or any dental product, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance—your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.

Consumer Questions E-mail: publicinfo@ada.org
article by: American Dental Association



Next Month Article: Restoring Your Smile : Dental Filling Choices
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Restoring Your Smile : Dental Filling Choices

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethAdvances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Researchers are continuing their often decades-long work developing esthetic materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. As a result, dentists and patients today have several choices when it comes to selecting materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth. The advent of these new materials has not eliminated the usefulness of more traditional dental restoratives, which include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam.

What’s Right for Me?
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and expense of dental restorations. These factors include: the components used in the filling material; where and how the filling is placed; the chewing load that the tooth will have to bear; and the length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.

Start by speaking with your dentist. Dr. Bordeaux can tell you which filling choices would be effective for you.

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teeth









Next Month Article: Dental Health and Smoking


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Dental Health and Smoking

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethSmokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers. Smokeless tobacco (snuff and chewing tobacco) is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips, increasing the risk by about 50 times.

Besides the risk of cancer, smokers are three times more likely to loose their teeth and are particularly vulnerable to gum disease.

For these reasons, Dr. Bordeaux does routine head and neck examinations for all patients, especially those with a history of tobacco use.

Mouth cancers appear as red or white in color, Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethpainless, and either raised rough areas or ulcers. They may occur at any place in the mouth although the most common location is around the tongue.

Leukoplakia is another early sign of a possible cancer. It is very frequently seen in users of smokeless tobacco. In leukoplakia, excessive cell growth forms a thick, rough, whitish-color patch where the tissue contacts tobacco. But it also arises from other irritations such as ill-fitting dentures, broken teeth and cheek biting.

Such patches should be checked periodically for malignant transformation. Dr. Bordeaux uses the new, painless Oral CDx technique. He scrapes the surface of the lesion with a stiff brush to collect a sample of cells. These are sorted by computer and analyzed by a pathologist trained to find the earliest cancer cells.

Treatment of leukoplakia begins with removing the factors that contribute to the lesion: quitting tobacco or replacing ill-filling dentures or fixing broken teeth. If you want to start a program to quit tobacco, Dr. Bordeaux or your family doctor will be happy to assist you.


Online, the Nicorette website has an excellent “Commit to Quit” programat www.nicorette.com or www.committedquitters.com.

Next Month Article: Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
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Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethA complete home dental care program for your pet will include both regular brushing and a proper, nutritional diet.

Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

Introduce a brushing program to your pet gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet thoughout the process.

During the first week, allow your pet to lick a toothbrush covered with a tasty substance, like beef bouillon or pet toothpaste, while you hold it. End the session with a special treat and lots of TLC so that your pet associates a good time with the toothbrush.

During the second week, begin to lift the lip and gently brush the canines. Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethStop if there is any resistance from your pet. Again, follow each session with a special treat and TLC. Make the initial sessions short and positive, ending each session before or at the first sign of rebellion.

During the third week, continue to lengthen the "brushing" time and gradually increase the actual tooth brushing. Continue to give a treat at the end with lots of TLC. Over time, establish a regular, enjoyable tooth brushing routine.

Special pet toothbrushes and pet toothpaste are available from your veterinarian. Do not use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset your pet’s stomach.

Resource : www.petschoice.com/petinfo/homedental.htm

Next Month Article: Common Mouth Sores
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Common Mouth Sores

They are annoying, painful and unsightly and there are plenty of things that can cause them such as bacterial, viral or fungal infections. A loose orthodontic wire, a denture that doesn’t fit, or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling may also be the culprit.

Mouth sores may be symptoms of a disease or disorder. A dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Among the most common mouth sores are:

Canker sores:
Small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth. And, they are not contagious. There may be only one canker sore or several, and they often return. Their exact cause is uncertain but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.

Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible.

Treating canker sores:
They usually heal on their own after a week or two, but an outbreak may occur. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide temporary relief. Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore. Antibiotics and some oral bandages can reduce secondary infection.

Cold Sores:
Annoying and definitely unsightly, cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious. The initial infection (primary herpes), which often occurs before adulthood, may be confused with a cold or flu and can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth.

Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body and causes occasional attacks. For some people, the virus remains inactive. Recurring herpes lesions look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters (cold sores) that most commonly appear around the edge of the lips. An attack may follow a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions or emotional upset.

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethTreating cold sores:
Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.

Leukoplakia:
Thick, whitish-color patch that forms on the inside of the cheeks, gums or tongue. These patches are caused by excess cell growth and are common among tobacco users. They can result from irritations such as an ill-fitting denture or the habit of chewing on the inside of the cheek. A danger is that leukoplakia can progress to cancer. Your dentist may recommend a biopsy if the patch appears threatening.

Treating leukoplakia:
The dentist examines the lesion and checks the biopsy results to help determine how to manage the disease. Treatment begins with removing the factors that contribute to the lesion: quitting tobacco or replacing ill-fitting dentures or bridges.

Candidiasis:
This fungal infection (also called moniliasis or oral thrush) occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. It is common among denture wearers and most often occurs in people who are very young, elderly, debilitated by disease, or who have a problem with their immune system. People who have dry mouth syndrome are very susceptible to candidiasis. Candida may flourish after antibiotic treatment, which can decrease normal bacteria in the mouth.

Treating candidiasis:
Control focuses on preventing or controlling the conditions that caused the outbreak. Good oral hygiene is essential. Clean dentures to remove Candida and remove them at bedtime. Saliva substitutes and prescription medications may be helpful when the underlying cause is incurable or unavoidable.

Consumer Questions E-mail: publicinfo@ada.org
article by: American Dental Association

Next Month Article: What is orthodontic treatment?

 

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What is orthodontic treatment?

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethOrthodontic treatment straightens your teeth so they look better and work better. It may even make your face look better, and help your jaw muscles function. Orthodontic treatment uses braces or other appliances to put gentle pressure on your teeth. Gentle pressure over a number of months or years can move your teeth into the right position. Dr. Bordeaux can guide you to an excellent orthodontist in your area of Atlanta.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist with 2 to 3 years of extra university training in this area.



A number of factors may affect the size and position of your teeth and jaws.

• Problems like crooked teeth may “run in your family.”
• You may have had a habit that has affected your teeth, such as thumbsucking.
• You may have lost a tooth (or teeth), and the teeth that are left mayhave moved or shifted.

No matter what the cause, your dentist or orthodontist can treat:

• crowded teeth
• crooked teeth
• an over bite or under bite
• an open bite
• too much space between teeth
• the results of extra or missing teeth

How orthodontics is done?

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethThe dentist or orthodontist will often use braces for orthodontic treatment. There are 4 parts to braces:

• the bracket or band (the metal ring) that is attached to each tooth
• the cement or bonding material that attaches the bracket or band to eachtooth
• the arch wire that fits into all the brackets
• elastics or wire ties that hold the wire into the bracket or band. Mostof the time, brackets, bands and arch wires are made of metal, but brackets andelastics can also be clear, toothcoloured or multi-coloured.

Some problems can be treated without wires. Your orthodontist will advise you if this method is appropriate for you.

If you are not happy with the way your teeth look or work, orthodontic treatment may help. Talk to your dentist today and find out what your options are for a beautiful smile.


Next Month Article: Bottled Water Lovers : Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?

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Bottled Water Lovers : Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethAdults and children who drink only bottled water might be putting their teeth at risk. Filters that many bottlers use to remove chlorine and other chemicals to improve taste also remove fluoride. Children need fluoride for strong, cavity-resistant teeth. Fluoride also is critical for adult teeth because it promotes enamel remineralization. Recent research also shows it helps prevent root caries, cavities at the gum line, in adults. And there is research showing that adequate fluoride consumption is important for maintaining overall bone health.

A spokeswoman for the International Bottled Water Association said the FDA "highly regulates" fluoride in drinking water. The FDA does regulate the amount of fluoride in bottled water, but only at upper limits. Bottlers may add no more than 1.3 milligrams per liter of fluoride to water, or as much as 2 milligrams per liter if that is what naturally occurs in the water source they use.

Those upper limits were set because fluoride levels above them could produce fluorosis, which can leave teeth mottled and discolored.

Conversely, you may be getting too much of the compound if you drink a lot of bottled water that contains added fluoride and you live in an area with fluoridated tap water. To reduce your risk, call your water department to find out if your tap water is fluoridated. Also, check the label of your favorite bottled water. If fluoride is added, it is listed on the label, says the International Bottled Water Association.

Resources :
Better Homes & Garden, www.bhg.com
Water Industry, www.waterindustry.org
International Bottle Water Association, www.bottledwater.org

Next Month Article: Whitening Treatments

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Tooth Whitening Treatments

Start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not change the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.


What is in-office bleaching?
If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.

During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

What are at-home procedures and products?
There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.

Bleaching solutions:
Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely. Currently, only dentist-dispensed home-use 10% carbamide peroxide tray-applied gels carry the ADA Seal.

You also may want to speak with your dentist should any side effects become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation—either from a tray that doesn’t fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with your dentist.

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethToothpastes:
All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

How should I choose a whitening product?
When selecting a whitener or any dental product, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance—your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.

Consumer Questions E-mail: publicinfo@ada.org
article by: American Dental Association



Next Month Article: Restoring Your Smile : Dental Filling Choices
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Restoring Your Smile : Dental Filling Choices

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethAdvances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Researchers are continuing their often decades-long work developing esthetic materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. As a result, dentists and patients today have several choices when it comes to selecting materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth. The advent of these new materials has not eliminated the usefulness of more traditional dental restoratives, which include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam.

What’s Right for Me?
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and expense of dental restorations. These factors include: the components used in the filling material; where and how the filling is placed; the chewing load that the tooth will have to bear; and the length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.

Start by speaking with your dentist. Dr. Bordeaux can tell you which filling choices would be effective for you.

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teeth









Next Month Article: Dental Health and Smoking


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Dental Health and Smoking

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethSmokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers. Smokeless tobacco (snuff and chewing tobacco) is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips, increasing the risk by about 50 times.

Besides the risk of cancer, smokers are three times more likely to loose their teeth and are particularly vulnerable to gum disease.

For these reasons, Dr. Bordeaux does routine head and neck examinations for all patients, especially those with a history of tobacco use.

Mouth cancers appear as red or white in color, Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethpainless, and either raised rough areas or ulcers. They may occur at any place in the mouth although the most common location is around the tongue.

Leukoplakia is another early sign of a possible cancer. It is very frequently seen in users of smokeless tobacco. In leukoplakia, excessive cell growth forms a thick, rough, whitish-color patch where the tissue contacts tobacco. But it also arises from other irritations such as ill-fitting dentures, broken teeth and cheek biting.

Such patches should be checked periodically for malignant transformation. Dr. Bordeaux uses the new, painless Oral CDx technique. He scrapes the surface of the lesion with a stiff brush to collect a sample of cells. These are sorted by computer and analyzed by a pathologist trained to find the earliest cancer cells.

Treatment of leukoplakia begins with removing the factors that contribute to the lesion: quitting tobacco or replacing ill-filling dentures or fixing broken teeth. If you want to start a program to quit tobacco, Dr. Bordeaux or your family doctor will be happy to assist you.


Online, the Nicorette website has an excellent “Commit to Quit” programat www.nicorette.com or www.committedquitters.com.

Next Month Article: Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
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Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethA complete home dental care program for your pet will include both regular brushing and a proper, nutritional diet.

Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

Introduce a brushing program to your pet gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet thoughout the process.

During the first week, allow your pet to lick a toothbrush covered with a tasty substance, like beef bouillon or pet toothpaste, while you hold it. End the session with a special treat and lots of TLC so that your pet associates a good time with the toothbrush.

During the second week, begin to lift the lip and gently brush the canines. Photo illustrating proper technique for brushing teethStop if there is any resistance from your pet. Again, follow each session with a special treat and TLC. Make the initial sessions short and positive, ending each session before or at the first sign of rebellion.

During the third week, continue to lengthen the "brushing" time and gradually increase the actual tooth brushing. Continue to give a treat at the end with lots of TLC. Over time, establish a regular, enjoyable tooth brushing routine.

Special pet toothbrushes and pet toothpaste are available from your veterinarian. Do not use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset your pet’s stomach.

Resource : www.petschoice.com/petinfo/homedental.htm

Next Month Article: Common Mouth Sores
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Bottled Water Lovers : Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?
Adults and children who drink only bottled water might...

COMING SOON

Whitening Treatments
Start by speaking with your dentist...

" ); b( 2, "

Whitening Treatments
Start by speaking with your dentist...

COMING SOON

Restoring Your Smile : Dental Filling Choices
Advances in modern dental materials and...

" ); b( 3, "

Restoring Your Smile : Dental Filling Choices
Advances in modern dental materials and...

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Smokers are six times more likely than...

" ); b( 4, "

Dental Health and Smoking
Smokers are six times more likely than...

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A complete home dental care program for...

" ); b( 5, "

Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
A complete home dental care program for...

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Common Mouth Sores
They are annoying, painful and...

" ); b( 6, "

Common Mouth Sores
They are annoying, painful and...

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What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment straightens your...

" ); b( 7, "

What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment straightens your...

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Adults and children who drink only bottled water might...

" ); b( 8, "

Bottled Water Lovers : Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?
Adults and children who drink only bottled water might...

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Start by speaking with your dentist...

" ); b( 9, "

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Advances in modern dental materials and...

" ); b( 10, "

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Smokers are six times more likely than...

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A complete home dental care program for...

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They are annoying, painful and...

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