Jan 27, 2011
Most people know that for years dentists have been recommending fluoride as something which helps prevent cavities. It’s in just about every toothpaste, many mouth rinses, over-the-counter and prescription gels – and close to 70% of Americans have it in their drinking water. Practically every dental professional credits fluoride for drastically reducing levels of dental decay over the last few decades.
Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in water and soil. About 70 years ago, scientists discovered that people who lived where water supplies naturally had more fluoride also had fewer cavities. Today, most public drinking water supplies are fluoridated, especially in larger cities, and dental professionals applaud its usage.
But can there be too much of a good thing?
A recent government study found that two in five adolescents had some sort of streaking or spotting in their teeth because of too much fluoride, a number that has grown considerably since the 1980s.
For most people these streaks or spots are totally harmless and barely visible to the naked eye, although in severe cases the tooth enamel can actually develop a pit-like surface. So even though fluoride still does a fantastic job in cavity prevention, as with most things in medicine, there are side effects.
The good news is – as a result of this study the federal government has acted very rapidly to change their recommendations for the amount of fluoride in drinking water, making it 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, down from the 50 year standard of up to 1.2 milligrams.
At Falmouth Dental Arts we applaud the government’s quick action! And we still want to help you avoid cavities as much as possible. So keep brushing, flossing and keep your fluoride intake to a minimum – it’s in everything! We will be glad to check your teeth to see if we can find any negative effects from fluoride and look for cavities too! As with any dental condition, the sooner we find it, the easier and less costly it is to treat.
Jan 19, 2011
For anyone who might want whiter teeth we are having a half-off sale – our Winter Whitening Special. Just click on our Facebook icon to get the coupon. Oh, and while you’re there, please “Like” our page if you desire. We’d love to get feedback on the site, too! Thanks to all of you who support us! We have a great time with our patients and always are willing to accept good (and bad) feedback to make things better.
Jan 12, 2011
I just saw a fascinating video on TED.com – a very interesting website about the world. We use facebook, twitter, and a myriad of other ways to connect with each other. The very fact that you may be reading this blog shows one of those connections. We use it for education, friendship, communication and endless “tweets”, but how does it affect our health and the person to person (in real life) connections? Hopefully this will shed some light on what is happening all over the planet. Oh, and by the way, don’t forget to floss and brush! You can see this amazing video by clicking here http://bit.ly/eGeEj8
Dec 15, 2010
We were marvelling at how well our staff did their jobs and worked together when all of a sudden it struck us that this team has an amazing amount of experience and talent. Including the doctors and 11 staff we have over 200 years of experience in the dental field!! Dr. Knock’s assistant alone has been with him over 36 years – and looks younger every day! Others have experience from 1 to well over 20 years. We are blessed with a loyal staff who really knows their “stuff”. They give 100% to our patients and make our lives much easier. For this we are eternally grateful!
If not for them we would not have the fantastic practice we have. Experience does count and it makes the visits of our patients the best possible!
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and whatever holiday greeting fits best for you!
Sep 20, 2010
Worried About Gum Disease? Would You Prefer Cabernet Or Merlot?
For many years now scientists have linked the beneficial positive effects of moderate amounts of red wine consumption with prevention of heart disease and cancer. But now they have also discovered that drinking the fruit of the vine could help with the prevention of gum disease!
The heroes here are compounds called polyphenols (found in grape seeds and red wine) which appear to have very strong anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation, it is theorized that polyphenols may limit the amount of inflammation in the gum tissue, helping to prevent the common disease known as gingivitis.
“Our findings demonstrate that red wine polyphenols have potent antioxidant properties,” concluded the study authors from the Université Laval in Quebec, Canada, who presented the study at a meeting of the American Association for Dental Research.
Eighty percent of Americans have some type of gum disease, and it is estimated that 15 percent of Americans between the age of 21 and 50 suffer from an advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. After age 50, 65 percent of Americans will suffer from this chronic gum disease and the risk is higher in smokers, diabetics and people who take steroids and oral contraceptives.
The author of the study, Dr. Fatiha Chandad, stated that more investigation is needed to determine exactly how effective the beverage will be in fighting gum disease. “Consumption of any fruits or vegetables rich in polyphenols could have beneficial effects on the maintenance of good oral health,” she adds.
So should you drink up now and not worry about proper brushing, flossing, and visits with your dental hygienist? We sure don’t think so! But it is nice to know that red wine enjoyed in moderation could have a positive effect on your dental health.
At Falmouth Dental Arts we take your oral health very seriously and want to make sure that gum disease does not rob you of your teeth as it has done to millions of Americans. We check for this condition every single time we do an examination. If you are due to see us or have any questions about gum disease or any other condition, please give us a call right away at 207-781-5900. We’re here for you!
And remember – along with the possible positive effects of red wine, it can really stain your teeth!! Brush and floss often and don’t forget your professional cleanings!!
