Raisins may be sticky and sweet, but they’re not as bad for teeth as traditionally believed, according to a study in Pediatric Dentistry.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago report that eating bran flakes with raisins containing no added sugar does not promote more acid in dental plaque than eating bran flakes alone.

Like many other sugary snacks and foods, raisins and cereal can stick to your teeth and cause decay overtime. They will be less damaging to teeth if proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, is exercised so make sure you brush after breakfast!

I’m sure you never expected Dr. Nelson to tell you not to brush your teeth, but one time you SHOULDN’T clean your teeth is right after you drink a soda. Acid in the drink, combined with the abrasive action of brushing, can erode your tooth enamel. “To protect your teeth, sip water or chew gum to activate your saliva. This will neutralize the acid,” Dr. Nelson recommends.  If you have questions about proper brushing techniques and what is best for you, send us an email at sarah@portlandmainedentist.com or ask your hygienist at your next visit.

A recent study in General Dentistry concluded that aloe vera gel is just as effective, and in some cases even more so, than commercial toothpastes in controlling caries-causing microorganisms. The antimicrobial effects of aloe vera have been attributed to the plant’s natural chemical compounds that are used in healing and arresting pain because of their analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.   There are several aloe vera toothpastes currently on the market but additional long-term clinical trials should be performed  to guarantee these results and the effectiveness of these tooth care products.

WHAT IS A PERIODONTIST?

By Dr. Donald Theriault, D.M.D

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting the gums and the bone that anchors the teeth to the jaws.  It is caused by inflammation produced by the body in response to the plaque which accumulates at the gumline and in between the teeth.  Periodontal or “gum” disease can start with bleeding or sore gums and can progress to bone loss loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss.  Halitosis, or bad breath, can also be a sign.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of this common condition.  He can assess the severity of the disease with a clinical examination and X-rays and treat it accordingly.

A periodontist can treat a number of conditions other than periodontal disease.  Some patients have too little gum tissue.  This shows up as recession of the gums and can be caused by a number of factors.  If it is bad enough or the recession is progressing, the periodontist can repair the site, usually with a gum graft (sounds a lot worse than it really is!)  Areas of visible recession on the front teeth can often be covered with gum tissue to provide a much more attractive smile.  Sometimes a patient will have just the opposite problem; too much gum tissue.  This can result in “short” or “square” teeth or a “gummy smile”.  A periodontist can also treat this condition returning the teeth to their natural shape.

Occasionally a tooth can have decay or a fracture that extends too far below the gumline.  This can interfere with placing fillings or crowns.  A periodontist can modify the area around a tooth to allow the dentist to better restore it. 

Missing teeth now can often be replaced with dental implants.  A periodontist can place these metal “roots” or “anchors” into the jawbone to create a foundation to support a new crown which is placed by the dentist.

When I was asked to write a piece for Dr. Nelson’s blog about endodontics, I thought I might talk about the many recent changes that have taken place in my specialty over the last few years. I also thought about presenting some of the more interesting cases that we have seen in our office. However, it occurred to me that most people might not even know what an endodontist is. So I decided to start with the basics and answer the questions I hear every day from my patients. My hope is to not only educate, but also to ease some of the fears and apprehension that surround root canal therapy. For more information please visit our website at http://www.endoassoc.com/

Endodontic FAQ

1. What is a root canal?

   The actual procedure is called root canal therapy. All teeth have a canal system (the tooth is hollow) that contains blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues that were important when the tooth was developing. This collection of various tissues is called the dental pulp. In an adult, the dental pulp serves as a warning system when a cavity develops, sensitivity to sweets for example. The pulp is not necessary for the tooth to function. Root canal therapy is performed when the pulp is diseased or infected. During the procedure the canals are accessed, debrided, sterilized, and sealed with a root filling.

2. Why do I need a root canal?There are three main reasons why root canal therapy is performed:
   1. The “nerve” is dying: The dental pulp can experience a loss of blood supply, which leads to the death of the pulp. This occurs when a tooth has a large cavity for example and it can be extremely painful. Antibiotics and pain medications are generally not helpful in this circumstance. Only root canal therapy or extraction of the tooth will resolve the discomfort.
   2. Dental Abscess: If the pulp tissue dies and the root canal has not been performed, the tooth is prone to infection. Once infected, only root canal therapy or extraction will resolve the problem. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, ranging from no symptoms at all (your dentist tells you that infection was noted on a routine dental x-ray) to severe swelling and extreme pain requiring immediate treatment and possible surgical intervention.
   3. The tooth is badly broken down and the dentist needs to place a post inside the tooth to help retain a filling or crown.
3. Can I take an antibiotic to make the problem go away?Antibiotics will resolve the pain and swelling associated with an acute dental infection. The symptoms will return at some point because the source of the infection has not been treated. To do this, the antibiotic must be carried to the source (the infected root canal system) of the problem by blood circulation. Unfortunately, once a tooth is infected it has lost its blood supply and therefore antibiotics cannot get inside the tooth’s root canal system to eliminate the infection. The only means of doing so is through the cleaning and sterilizing process of root canal therapy or removal of the tooth.
4. What is an Endodontist?An endodontist is a dental specialist who performs procedures related to the root canals of teeth, from the routine to the very complex. In order to become an endodontist, a dentist must complete an additional 2-3 year residency program after dental school. Endodontists are thoroughly trained in dental anatomy, diagnosis of orofacial pain, and in the use of the surgical operating microscope (see photo). Microscopes are used almost exclusively by endodontists for visualization of intricate root canal anatomy at up to 21X. The additional training and instrumentation ensures that root canal related treatments are performed to the highest level of care.
5. Is the root canal procedure painful?Root canal therapy does not have to be unpleasant. The key to a painless procedure is ensuring the patient is adequately anesthetized (numb). Those patients who have had unpleasant experiences in the past, most likely, were just not numb enough. When a tooth is painful to begin with, it can make for a very uncomfortable procedure. Because endodontists deal with patients who come in with existing toothaches everyday, we are proficient at getting patients anesthetized. The vast majority of our patients find that the procedure is not painful. In fact, it is not uncommon to have patients fall asleep during treatment.
6. How long does a root canal take to perform?It depends on what tooth is being treated and if there are any complicating factors, but in general it takes a little more then an hour for a molar tooth once the patient is numb. Under some circumstances, it can take multiple appointments.
7. Will I be able to go to work after the procedure?Some soreness is expected for 2-3 days following root canal therapy, but this should not prevent a patient for going about their daily activities. Typically, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are very effective at managing post-operative discomfort. Please follow any post-operative instructions given to you by your treating dentist.
8. Will my tooth be different after a root canal?In order to perform root canal therapy a hole has to be drilled into the tooth. This results in a tooth that is more prone to fracture because of the loss of the additional tooth structure. That is why crowns are recommended on molar and premolar teeth after root canal therapy. The tooth will no longer feel hot or cold. The tooth maintains proprioception which is the ability to sense when something is between your teeth or when your teeth touch.
9. How long do root canals last?The long-term success of root canal therapy depends on different factors. The first is how well the root canal system was cleaned. The microscope and other specialized instruments play a major role in this, as does the clinician’s knowledge of dental anatomy (i.e. how many canals to expect to find inside a specific tooth). The second factor affecting the success rate is the timely restoration of the tooth following root canal therapy with a permanent filling and a crown. And lastly, the patient should maintain adequate oral hygiene to prevent future cavities that can lead to a recontamination of the root canal system. Today’s root canal treated tooth will last as long as any of the patient’s other teeth.
10. Do root canal treated teeth cause other diseases?Simply put, no literature exists that implicates root canal treated teeth as a cause of systemic disease. This idea comes from the 1920-30’s, when there was a prevalent theory that implicated not only root canal treated teeth but dentistry in general as the cause of many systemic diseases such as arthritis, intestinal disorders, and anemias. This led to a destructive form of dentistry in which extraction was considered the only treatment option in order to prevent or cure these systemic diseases. The theory was later disproved and rejected. Studies over the years have demonstrated that people with root canal treated teeth are no more likely to be ill then those without them. Unfortunately, some patients, physicians, and dentists still believe this theory is true. Recent attempts to reproduce the results of these early studies have failed to show a connection to systemic diseases. In re-evaluating the original studies, it is believed that the poor sanitary conditions and imprecise research methodology led to the flawed results. It is sad to think of the millions of unnecessary extractions that still occur because of this research.

Good news! We have teamed up with some area professionals to bring you the latest and greatest information through our Guest Blog Series. Our first entry is from our very good friend, Dr. Bruce Podhouser of Orthodontic Associates. Orthodontic technology changes fast, so we are so lucky to have him help keep us up to speed!

What’s New in Orthodontics 

As with many aspects of daily life, computers have led to some exciting changes in orthodontic treatment. These changes enable treatment to be more comfortable, efficient, aesthetic and generally easier on the patient. For instance, braces and orthodontic wires can now be custom made to each patient on CAD computer software. We have recently incorporated the iBraces Lingual Appliance system into our practice. These are braces that attach behind the teeth and are virtually invisible. This is a great option for teenagers and adults seeking an alternative to standard braces. These lingual braces are ideal for patients who require orthodontic treatment for significant bite and cosmetic issues, but have aesthetic or comfort concerns due to activities such as playing musical instruments, sports, modeling or public speaking. Though lingual braces have been in use for several years, their use has been limited due to bulkiness of the brace leading to discomfort, difficulty with speech, and a challenge for the orthodontist to bend wires properly.

The newer CAD fabricated lingual iBraces feature:

-100% customized low-profile brackets adapted to the patient’s tooth anatomy for superior bracket placement and patient comfort

-Minimal speech interference

-Minimal tongue irritation

-Made from gold alloy with no nickel content

-A sequence of precisely formed archwires designed by computer and bent using state-of-the-art fabrication technologies

-Require fewer adjustments so there is less patient discomfort

-Utilize shape memory wires that are quite biologically friendly

-Deliver efficient,effective tooth movement

Check out more from Orthodontic Associates at bracesofmaine.com

Stay tuned for more guest bloggers coming soon!

Did you get out in the nice sunny weather yesterday? I hope so! I went for a nice chilly walk but now my lips are dry and sore.

Since most people get chapped lips from time to time,   I asked the hygienists here at A Perfect Smile for their favorite remedies. Here’s what they suggested:

Use a lubricating cream or lip balm with beeswax. (We love Burt’s Bees.)Before going out in cold, dry weather, apply a balm that contains sunscreen — and then cover your lips with a scarf. Reapply often while outdoors.

Avoid licking your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before you licked them. If you tend to lick your lips, avoid flavored lip balm — which may tempt you to lick your lips even more.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water!

Rub sugar over your lips. Be gentle and rub back and forth. Wipe sugar off with a paper towel when you are done.

Try a humidifier. When you have the heat on all the time, the air gets really dry. Moisten the air in your home with a humidifier.

If you have chapped lip remedies please reply to this post or email sarah@portlandmainedentist.com

Here’s to only 5 more weeks of winter!

Sarah

In the days leading up to February 14th, I always get caught up in Valentine’s Day excitement and anticipation.

Then in the blink of an eye, its over. My chocolates have been devoured and my flowers are wilting.

This year, A Perfect Smile is offering you an opportunity to make the most of Valentine’s Day. Treat someone you love to a specially designed teeth whitening gift basket. Not only are the baskets a fun surprise, but your loved one will enjoy a beautiful smile long after the holiday is over. Each gift basket includes a teeth whitening gift certificate and assortment of festive luxury items. We can custom design one to suit your needs!

But wait! That’s not all!  A Perfect will donate 10% for each tooth whitening gift certificate sold in the Month of February to the American Heart Association in support of National Heart Month.

Happy Heart Month,

Sarah

Cause Marketing Roundtable: Creating strategic partnerships to increase your marketing effectiveness in 2009
Sponsored by A Perfect Smile and the Maine Marketing  Association

Does your company need a brand image boost? Are you looking for a way to improve employee and customer satisfaction and loyalty? Cause related marketing creates a win-win-win business situation: the organization you support gets income it would not otherwise receive, your business is viewed in a positive light while serving more customers, and consumers see their purchase dollars helping a favorite cause or charity.

Join Sarah Nelson for a facilitated discussion on the value of cause marketing in today’s marketing mix on Thursday, February 5, 2009 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at A Perfect Smile located at 168 US Route 1 in Falmouth. The roundtable begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. with a 45 minute networking reception beginning at 5:45 p.m.

The session will help you brainstorm a plan of action for your company including setting priorities, finding the right partner for your business and establishing measurements to insure return on investment. Key topics to be discussed include:

How cause marketing works
Why it makes sense for businesses
Ethical considerations
Attendees will leave this session with share ideas and a fresh perspective on their own business.

Registration is required. The cost is $10 for Maine Marketing Association members and  A Perfect Smile patients and $15 for non-members.

To register or for more information about the event, please contact Sarah Nelson at sarah@focus-evolve-succeed.com or call 206.419.5407

The American Dental Association recently revealed the results of an oral health survey of 1000 adult Americans.  What they found is that while Americans deem the smile the most important physical attribute, a surprising amount of Americans don’t know that poor oral health has been associated with serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes.  Many survey participants also thought that a little bleeding from brushing is normal, yet it’s not. It could be a sign of gum disease or something even worse.  We want you, our patients, to be healthy and have the knowledge to make good decisions about your dental health. If you have questions about something you see in the news or online, call our office and Dr. Nelson will be happy to talk with you.