Dental Advice

It is always funny when patients come in, convinced that they know what their problem is, because they asked their friend, coworker, or pet!

Just the other day, a patient came in talking about the new toothpaste she bought because a salesperson at the local supermarket told her it would help regrow bone around her teeth!

Asking a non dentist to diagnose your toothache, is like asking the neighborhood butcher to fix the space shuttle!

Cavities = Bacterial Waste??

Yes, CAVITIES are caused by certain strains of bacteria and their waste products. One dentist scraped the plaque off a tooth and half jokingly said,

This is from bacteria pottying all over your teeth!

Sounds gross, but it's essentially true.

Kind of makes you want to go brush your teeth, doesn't it??

In order to reduce your incidence of cavities, filling them may not be enough. If you continue to get cavities, ask your dentist about adjuncts such as chlorhexidine, xylitol, or fluoride.

Chlorhexidine mouth rinse used 1x/day for a week each month can dramatically help!

As for xylitol (a sugar substitute in some gum/candies) and fluoride? The more the better! (except, too much fluoride in children can cause fluorosis, which does not occur in adults)