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Stay Informed About Early Childhood Caries

July 19, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — @ 3:04 pm

EACH YEAR, MANY INFANTS AND TODDLERS SUFFER FROM EXTENSIVE TOOTH DECAY that could be avoided—and the culprit is surprising. Milk and sweet liquids are the biggest contributors to something referred to as ECC (Early Childhood Caries).

Just like adult mouths, babies’ mouths are full of bacteria that feed on the sugars found in the foods and liquids they consume. One of the byproducts of these bacteria buffets is an acid that can attack tooth enamel and cause cavities.

Now, don’t worry… We’re not suggesting that you stop using baby bottles or that you don’t give milk to your infants and toddlers. Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell simply recommend being aware of the issue and taking some simple preventive steps to help avoid a potential problem.

Here’s a short video from Nursery Water about preventing baby bottle tooth decay:

Many parents give their children a bottle to suck on as a way of helping them settle down and doze off at night. Unfortunately, studies show thatwhen a baby falls asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, the fluid from the bottle can settle in a pool around their fragile teeth. This allows the bacteria in the baby’s mouth to feed off the sugar present in the liquid ALL night long, creating a steady stream of tooth-decaying acid. If your child absolutely needs a bottle to suck on as he or she goes to sleep, your best bet is to fill it with warm water. Or, once asleep, at least be sure to remove the bottle from your child’s mouth.

Here are a few other ways you can take care of your baby’s teeth:

  • Only Fill Bottles with Milk Or Formula. If you choose to give your child juice or other sugary drinks, make sure you only do so in a sippy cup so that the sugar doesn’t sit at the front of their mouths too long.
  • Clean Your Baby’s Teeth and Gums. Even before your child’s first teeth have come in, it’s important to gently wipe their teeth with a wet towel or gauze after they are fed.
  • Don’t Dip Pacifiers In Anything Containing Sugar. Some parents dip pacifiers in sweet substances like honey. This can be very damaging for baby teeth.

ECC is an infectious disease that can begin as soon as the baby’s first teeth appear, and it can have lasting, damaging effects on your child’s oral health. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we want to help you take care of your baby’s teeth. Not only are they more susceptible to cavities than are adults, but they are also at risk of gum disease if the bacteria in their mouths gets too out of hand.

If you think your child may be a victim of baby bottle tooth decay, set up an appointment to come in and see one of our doctors, or a member of our team today. We’d love to help return your baby’s mouth to its healthiest state! Feel free to contact usif you have any additional questions or concerns!

You Are What You Eat…

July 12, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 3:14 pm

WE’VE ALL HEARD THE SAYING “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.” Surprisingly, it’s actually quite true—especially when it comes to your teeth and gums.

When you eat or drink sugary and starchy foods you are also feeding the plaque in your mouth. What you choose to eat, or not eat, has a huge affect on your teeth.

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistryyou hear us say the word “plaque” all the time, and although most of our patients understand that it’s something we want to avoid, they don’t really know what it is.

The best way to understand plaque is to think of it as a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria and other unfriendly materials that coats the surfaces of your teeth. When sugars and starches come in contact with plaque, an acid is created that can attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes after you finish eating! Repeated attacks can break down tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities, decay, and gum disease.

So… How do we best avoid plaque? Here are some recommendations from our doctors about the effects of different foods:The “Good Guys”

  • Fruits and Vegetables: These high-fiber content foods stimulate saliva flow and defend against cavities and gum disease. Saliva is your best natural defense.
  • Dairy: Cheeses, milk, plain yogurt and other dairy products are more good saliva generators. The calcium in these products also helps put minerals back in your teeth.
  • Foods With Fluoride: Fluoridated water and any product made with that water is good for your teeth (as long as it doesn’t contain sugar).
  • Sugarless Chewing Gum: Gum is another great saliva generator, and it also helps remove leftover food from your mouth.
  • Licorice Root: Researches at the University of California, Los Angeles found that this herb contains compounds that inhibit the growth of plaque.

The “Bad Guys”

  • Sugar and Sweets That Stick To Your Teeth: We understand that treats aren’t easy to give up completely, so we recommend choosing the sweets that clear out of your mouth quickly. This means lollipops, cough drops, and caramels aren’t your best bet. However, chocolate washes out quickly because its sugars are coated in fat.
  • Starchy Foods: Starches like bread and potato chips get stuck in your teeth, and bacteria love to feed on carbohydrates.
  • Carbonated Soft Drinks and Sports Drinks: These drinks contain A LOT of sugar as well as acids that erode tooth enamel.
  • Other Sugary Drinks: High sugar levels promote tooth decay.
  • Lemons: Lemons are okay to eat, but don’t suck on them—they also contain acids that will erode the enamel of your teeth.

Be smart about what you eat—we promise it will pay off! And since avoiding plaque altogether is impossible, don’t forget to schedule your regular dental appointments with us so we can help brighten your smile and keep your teeth healthy for life!

A Balanced pH Level Can Help Protect Your Smile

July 5, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 3:03 pm

VISITING OUR PRACTICE REGULARLY HAS PROBABLY TURNED YOU INTO a cavity prevention expert, right? Well, there’s always more than meets the eye—especially when it comes to the little things we can do to keep our mouths healthy. Even those of us who are diligent brushers and flossers sometimes find ourselves with some tooth decay. Here’s one more little snippet of information that may help you.

While it is true that things like flossing, brushing for at least 2 minutes twice a day, coming in to Lake Oconee Dentistryfor regular checkups, using mouthwash, and avoiding sugary foods DO help prevent cavities, there are other things we can do. New discoveries show that the pH levels in our mouths actually have A LOT more to do with tooth decay than we may realize, and maintaining normal pH levels can be helpful in fighting off cavities and gum disease. Exactly What Is pH?

To put it simply, pH is a measure of acidity… The lower the pH, the higher the acidity, and the higher the pH, the higher the alkaline levels. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14, and in the middle of the scale is the neutral number 7, being most like water.

This is where we want our mouths to be. While we know that sugar feeds the bacteria that produces acids and turns into cavities, it is actually prolonged acidic oral pH that can cause tooth decay and a demineralization of your enamel.

Confused? Let us break this down…

Heading off the domino effect means intercepting those pH levels before they get out of hand. Ever heard of a pH test strips? They’re like the sticks you dip into your swimming pool, except they’re for your mouth. You can buy them at your local pharmacy and then try these remedies at home!

  • Fresh Lemon and/or Lime Juice: Lemons and limes are acidic until they react with the sodium bicarbonate released by the pancreas. Upon entering the intestinal tract lemon and lime juice have alkaline properties. However, since both lemons and limes can erode tooth enamel, if you spice up your water with these delicious flavor accents, make sure you drink with a straw placed at the back of your mouth!
  • Take your multivitamins: Take a high quality multivitamin that contains both the essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Eat those leafy greens: Dark green vegetables and “green drinks” contain a high abundance of chlorophyll—a strong detoxifier and immunity–building agent.
  • Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar: Eliminate all processed foods, and when you opt for grains, make sure they’re “whole.”

If you have any additional questions about how to keep your mouth healthy, set up an appointment to talk to any one of our doctors. Let’s do all we can to prevent tooth decay!

Don’t forget to “Like” our Facebook Page to stay updated on everything going on at our practice. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Thoughts On Oral Piercings…

June 28, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 4:12 pm

ALTHOUGH ORAL PIERCINGS’ ORIGINS TECHNICALLY GO BACK TO ANCIENT MAYAN AND AZTEC tradition and religion, this unique form of accessorizing didn’t really become a means of self-expression until just a few decades ago.

As with traditional earrings, oral piercings come in a variety of styles including rings, barbells, and studs. However, piercing your tongue, cheek, or lips involves a lot more risk than piercing your earlobes. Before considering having any sort of oral piercing, get some advice from our doctorsand take a few minutes to learn about the risks…

  • Infection: Our mouths are filled with zillions of bacteria, putting you at significant risk of infection after an oral piercing.
  • Prolonged Bleeding: Sometimes blood vessels are punctured by the needle during piercing which can result in serious blood loss.
  • Pain and Swelling: Both pain and swelling are typical side effects of oral piercings. In some extreme cases, the tongue can swell up so much that it can block your airway.
  • Chipped or Cracked Teeth: When a tooth makes contact with oral jewelry it can often lead to tooth damage.
  • Injury To Your Gums: Metal jewelry can injure your gum tissue and cause your gums to recede, putting you at greater risks of decay and gum disease, and leaving your mouth much less attractive.
  • Interference With Normal Oral Function: The presence of jewelry in your mouth can cause excessive saliva flow, make it more difficult to chew or swallow, and impede your ability to speak correctly.
  • Blood-borne Diseases: The National Institutes of Health have identified oral piercings as possible factors in transmitting hepatitis B, C, D, and G.
  • Endocarditis: The wound that is created from an oral piercing gives the bacteria in your mouth the opportunity to enter your bloodstream where they can travel to the heart, putting you at risk of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart valves and tissues.

Because there are so many risks surrounding oral jewelry, even after the initial wound has healed, the safest decision you can make is to avoid oral piercings altogether. However, if you or a loved one has an oral piercing, make sure you come in and see us at the first sign of pain or trouble so that any potential ‘bigger’ problems can be avoided.

Are you a parent with a child who may be considering oral piercing? Yes, we understand… Sometimes kids won’t listen to a parent, but they may listen to a healthcare professional. Don’t hesitate to contact Lake Oconee Dentistry and ask for our help if you feel like it would be appropriate. We’re here to help.

Before you go—click on the image below and join our practice on Facebook to keep up with everything going on in our office. We look forward to connecting with you there!

Become An Expert In 30 Seconds

June 17, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 2:59 pm

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE… We all love teeth, right? You love them because they help you nourish yourself without using a blender, and they certainly make your smile less creepy than it would otherwise be.

At Lake Oconee Dentistry, here in Greensboro, we don’t just love teeth—we love YOUR teeth. Your teeth, your smile, and your complete oral health are interesting and important to each member of our team. Our doctors know that you will likely never share our level of enthusiasm for great oral health (nor would it be normal for you to do so). However, modern science continues to connect the dots between your oral health and your overall health. So it’s not only important to be concerned about how your teeth affect your appearance, but it’s also important to understand all of the things that go on inside your mouth.

In part, that’s why we’ve implemented (and integrated) a number of social media tools to help us stay connected with you, our valued patients. Any dental practice can make claims about how satisfied their patients are by launching a static website with a bunch of “filler” information.Boring. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we’ve created a dynamic online environment where we can interact with you and learn how to serve you better—and have a little fun along the way.

Fun? A dental practice… fun? YES! What’s cool about connecting with us through social media is that it’s honest, transparent, and spontaneous. The best way to BE ASSURED you’re with the right dentist is by getting to know us in this untraditional, and “un-staged” way. The fact is, we all prefer associating with people we ENJOY being around. It’s just human nature. YOU’LL get to know our practice culture better, and WE’LL get to know YOU better too.

So, stay in touch with us. Ask us questions. We promise to be responsive.If you haven’t had a chance to LIKE our Facebook page, now would be a great time BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGE BELOW:

Thanks again, for being our valued patients and friends.

Beautiful Smiles Through Cosmetic Veneers

June 9, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 2:41 pm

ARE YOU UNHAPPY WITH YOUR UNEVEN AND/OR DISCOLORED SMILE? Have you noticed small chips or cracks in any of your teeth? Well, don’t worry—Drs. David and Patti Bradley and Dr. Boswell can help! Dental veneers are an affordable and reliable solution to imperfect smiles, and here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we’re highly experienced in cosmetic veneer treatments.

Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which the surface of the tooth is covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain composite to protect the tooth from additional damage, and give you the beautiful smile you desire. In fact, veneers can solve most, if not all, of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

Uneven Tooth Alignment: Through the years your teeth can become uneven as a result of grinding, or wear and tear.

Wide Spacing: Veneers can (if needed) add an extra layer to widely spaced teeth, filling in those gaps, and giving you a more symmetrical smile.

Worn Enamel: Over time, the thin protective layer of enamel that covers your teeth may become dulled, discolored, and worn. Though this can sometimes be caused by genetics, it’s usually the result of smoking or drinking soft drinks, coffee, and/or tea.

Wear And Tear: As we age, our teeth naturally wear down and become less resilient. Aged teeth are also more susceptible to minor cracks and chips.

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we can help you change the color, shape, alignment, spacing, and length of your teeth using cosmetic veneers! Cosmetic veneers are considered a form of cosmetic dentistry because they create vibrant and beautifully aligned smiles—but, they also protect the surface of your teeth and can help eliminate future damage and additional treatment!

Here’s a short overview video about veneers from the American Dental Association:

Many times, in just two or three visits to our practice, you can walk away with a brand new, gorgeous smile. So what are you waiting for?! Set up an appointment with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell today to determine if veneers are right for you!

And don’t forget to Like us on Facebook by clicking on the image below:

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Why Children Should Visit the Dentist

June 3, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 4:38 pm

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE OF YOU WITH YOUNG CHILDREN probably have quite a few questions about caring for your children’s teeth. So, we thought we’d take a few moments to talk about why your little one needs a dentist too…

Although there are a host of benefits associated with proper pediatric dental care, the long term health of your child’s smile is obviously the most important benefit of all. The American Dental Associationrecommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist be right before their first birthday. During this checkup, Dr. David Bradley will teach you the proper brushing and flossing techniques to use on your child, make sure his or her baby teeth are coming in correctly, check to see if there is any baby bottle tooth decay, and ensure that your child’s gums are healthy.

Children should typically come in to see our practice about every six months to ensure that their teeth are receiving the best possible care.

Once all your child’s primary teeth have come in, Dr. Patti Bradley will typically start applying topical fluoride to harden the tooth enamel and protect those young teeth from cavities. Dental sealants can also be applied as a means of providing further protection from bacteria.

Another important thing to consider when taking care of your children’s teeth is their diet. An abundance of sugary foods and unhealthy snacks like potato chips and pretzels should be avoided.

Don’t wait until your child has a full set of teeth to visit the dentist. Set up an appointmentwith Dr. Patti or Dr. David or Dr. Phil Boswell today if you have any additional questions or if you have a child due for a checkup! We want to make sure your child’s smile stays confident and healthy for life!

A Discussion About Sensitive Teeth

May 27, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 7:43 am

ARE YOU READY FOR A “SENSITIVE” DISCUSSION? A sensitive teeth discussion, that is…

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we realize that this isn’t an ongoing problem for a lot of our patients. However, it is for some. And, it’s almost certainly a periodic problem for most people.

Dr. David Bradley reminds us, “Tooth sensitivity can come from many things including sweet or sour foods and hot or cold temperatures. For some, simply biting down can hurt. The resulting pain can be mild to severe—and sometimes very sharp, shooting directly to tooth nerve endings.”Regardless of the level of pain, tooth sensitivity is not pleasant. If the pain is long lasting or severe, you should probably make an appointment to visit with us. If the pain is minor and/or very occasional, here are a few basic things you can do to help prevent sensitivity:

Proper Brushing

Keeping up great oral hygiene prevents tarter buildup. This helps reduce the risk of exposing nerves. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush causes less abrasion and reduces potential gum recession. There are also several brands of toothpaste that, with regular use, help decrease sensitivity.

Fluoridated Mouthwashes

Daily use of a fluoridated mouthwash can decrease sensitivity.

Avoid Highly Acidic Foods And Drinks

Highly acidic foods and drinks can contribute to the dissolving of tooth enamel, which in turn can increase sensitivity. Limit such items—including many sports drinks. It can also help to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic items.

Don’t Clinch Or Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding and clenching can also lead to enamel wear, which can cause sensitivity (and a host of other problems). Visit with Dr. Patti or Dr. David or Dr. Phil Boswell if you suspect this is a problem you need help with.

As always… Our sincere thanks for the trust you place in our practice. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we want to be your greatest information resource for preventing and solving tooth sensitivity issues.

Here’s a short video you’ll enjoy about this topic.

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

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All About Wisdom Teeth Extraction

May 16, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 4:07 pm

MOST PEOPLE’S WISDOM TEETH APPEAR between the ages of 17 to 27 years. They grow in the very back of the lower and upper jaw bones and are the last big molars to develop in the four corners of the mouth. You guessed it… They’re called “wisdom teeth” because people are supposed to be wise by then, right?

Sometimes, wisdom teeth can become a big problem for our patients. When that’s the case, Drs. Bradleywill often suggest that they be removed.

Some wisdom teeth only partially erupt or don’t erupt at all. The term “impacted wisdom tooth” is used to describe this condition which can lead to a host of other problems in your mouth—including gum disease, bone-destroying cysts, crowding or damage to adjacent teeth, and unwanted decay (due to the difficulty in keeping the area clean). For some people, wisdom teeth grow in fine and don’t cause any problems at all.

The illustration below (created by Bupa UK) shows the relationships of all the teeth in your mouth, where your wisdom teeth are located, and how they might look if they grow in without any problems:

Dr. Boswell and our team have a great deal of experience in extracting wisdom teeth. Whether or not you have obvious problem symptoms, it’s important to evaluate existing or potential problems with your wisdom teeth. Sometimes, removal is the wisest decision for your well-being and oral health.

Have you had your wisdom teeth removed? Is there an interesting experience you’ve had related to either keeping them or having “let them go”? Share it with us below in the comments section! And if you have questions, let us know.

Or, visit us on Facebook and share your story there by clicking on the image below!

Stay Healthy And Avoid Gum Disease!

May 3, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — @ 3:20 pm

OBESITY-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS HAVE BEGUN REACHING EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS over the last 20 years—and the trend doesn’t appear to be reversing itself. According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980, and 67% of adults in the United States today are considered “overweight.” Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we understand it’s no secret that obesity is associated with a variety of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis—but, did you know that obesity can dramatically affect your oral health as well?

It’s true. Dr. Bradley points out that with the increasing number of overweight adults each year, many studies are being conducted to investigate the relationships between obesity and periodontal disease. The results may surprise you.

As you may already know, periodontal disease is an oral, chronic bacterial infection that affects gum tissue and can eventually affect the bones that hold your teeth in place. If you are a victim of gum disease or gingivitis you may be dealing with bleeding gums, inflammation, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. Talk to Dr. David Bradley, Dr. Boswell, or Dr. Patti Bradley today if any of these symptoms apply to you! Untreated gum disease can lead to much more serious issues, ranging from permanent tooth loss to heart disease.

In a recent Boston University study, results showed that overweight individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed with gum disease, and those who are considered “obese” are three times as likely, making this a bigger problem than most people realize!

So, what’s the connection between being overweight and gum disease? Most theories suggest that fat cells produce many chemical signals and hormones that can increase inflammation in the body, decrease the effectiveness of your immune system, and increase your susceptibility to periodontal disease. Other theories point to the possible eating habits of overweight people and the connections to simple sugars that our mouths convert to plaque. As plaque accumulates on teeth and gums, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay may become inevitable.

Don’t let gum disease become a problem for you. Stay healthy. Keep your weight in check. Maintain meticulous dental hygiene through flossing and brushing. Schedule regular cleanings and checkups to control plaque buildup and to avoid bigger problems. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask us! What your mom told you is true…An ounce of prevention IS worth more than a pound of cure. And if periodontal treatment is needed, our team can help.

We care about you, our valued patients. That isn’t just lip service. Our entire team wants to make sure you have best possible care available! Thanks for the trust you place in us.

Be sure to Like our practice on Facebook! It’s a great place for concise, interesting information—with a little fun throw in. Click on the image below:

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