PAGE 14
THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION
MARCH 2013
Where Great Smiles Begin!
See how your new smile will look before any treatment
begins, with our Smilevision Computer Imaging.
Today It’s Easier and More Affordable Than Ever!
•
Minimally Invasive Dentistry - Emphasis on Prevention
•
Smile Makeovers - Bonding, Veneers, Tooth Colored Fillings, Whitening
•
New Patients and Children Welcome
•
Diagnodent Early Cavity Detection Laser
•
State of the Art Digital Imaging safer than traditional x-rays
•
Sedation Dentistry - Relax during your appointment; all levels of sedation available
308
E. Main Street, Somerville
908-218-0040
www.mainstreetsmile.com
Premier Participating Provider
STRAIGHT TEETH, NO BRACES
EMERGENCIES WELCOME
WE CATER TO COWARDS
EARLY MORNING AND
EVENING APPOINTMENTS
Easy Flexible
Financing Available
Get the Finest Dentistry &
Make It Fit Your Budget
CARE CREDIT
®
at www.facebook.com/MainStreetSmile
Not Actual Patients
COSMETIC IMAGING
SEE YOUR NEW SMILE
BEFORE ANY WORK BEGINS
Included with Every New Patient Exam
Scan QR code to see additional
On-Line Patient Offers
MYTH OR FACT:
1.
Have a baby, Lose a tooth
FACT:
Although there is a factual basis to this
one, pregnant women can avoid premature
tooth loss. The hormonal changes that occur
during pregnancy make a woman more suscep-
tible to gingivitis, the gums will bleed and swell
more easily when plaque is present, also snack-
ing on junk foods can exacerbate the situation
making teeth collect more plaque and become
cavity prone. The solution is to be very good with
oral hygiene at home, brush and floss regularly,
avoid sugary snacks, be sure to stay on schedule
with your oral hygiene appointments at the den-
tal office. Also, remember that a newborn child
will put great demands on your time and may
interfere with your normal sleep patterns. Be
extra diligent to do an excellent job with your
own home oral hygiene care especially right
before bedtime.
2.
Gum recession is a normal part of aging
MYTH:
Gingival recession is caused by numerous
pathologic and degenerative factors in the
mouth. Elderly individuals may be more prone to
some of these conditions but most can be pre-
vented or their effects can be ameliorated. What
are the causes of recession:
A. Xerostomia or dry mouth: many times this is
medication induced in the elderly but it can
be an age related decrease in saliva produc-
tion. The dentist can provide numerous ther-
apies for this problem as has been discussed
in previous articles.
B. Occlusal Disease; bruxism, clenching or grind-
ing the teeth will put excess stress on the sup-
porting gingiva and if untreated often results
in gingival recession. Unreplaced missing
teeth can cause recession on the remaining
teeth. Restoring the arch to a full comple-
ment will help protect teeth from recession.
C. GERD: gastro esophageal reflux disease: any-
thing that produces an acid environment in
the mouth is harmful to both the teeth and
gums. If you have GERD symptoms you
should see your MD and you must keep up
with regular dental visits.
D. Overzealous brushing with a stiff toothbrush
can result in recession. Use the brush and
technique recommended by your dentist and
dental hygienist.
3.
Dissolving an aspirin next to a tooth in
your mouth will soothe a toothache
MYTH:
An aspirin can provide temporary relief
for toothache symptoms, but it must be swal-
lowed. Dissolving it on the tissues next to the
tooth will actually makes things worse. The
toothache will remain and the very acidic aspirin
pill will cause a chemical burn of the delicate soft
tissues causing soreness there as well.
4.
Capped (Crowns) Teeth can not decay.
MYTH:
Bacterial plaque grows every where in
your mouth. If it is not removed effectively on a
daily basis, it can cause decay on any natural
tooth surface in your mouth even those which
have been restored with Crowns.
5.
Brushing HARDER is Better
MYTH:
Brushing more frequently is better.
Brushing for a longer time is better. Brushing to
hard or using a stiff bristled brush can damage
the gingival tissues and can discourage thorough
cleansing of the gum line. It can also contribute
to erosion or abrasion of the root surfaces of
teeth in areas where recession has occurred.
6.
There is no need to Worry About “Baby”
teeth since they will be lost any way
MYTH:
The deciduous (primary or baby) teeth
begin erupting as early as 4 months and often
remain in the mouth as late as 14 to 16 years
old. These teeth play a vital role in the develop-
ing arch and should be cared for and maintained
as carefully as the succeeding adult teeth. Pri-
mary teeth which are lost prematurely can result
in malocclusions which will necessitate ortho-
dontic treatment later in life. Injuries and
abscesses of the primary teeth can have a dele-
terious effect on the permanent teeth which are
developing in the jawbone below them. Like
“
training wheels” on a bike, encouraging your
child to practice good oral hygiene habits in the
primary dentition allows them to develop habits
which will enable them to practice proper care of
the adult dentition. This will pay them benefits
through out their lifetime.
7.
Sugar substitutes are as bad for the teeth
as sugar.
MYTH:
The bacteria in the mouth that are
responsible for the development of cavities and
gum disease utilize the sugar you ingest most
readily and will propagate in the mouth in its
presence. Most artificial sweeteners are not read-
ily utilized by oral bacteria. In fact, one artificial
sweetener, Xylitol, has been shown to help pre-
vent cavities and is often recommended by den-
tists to their cavity prone patients.
As always, I welcome your comments and ques-
tions about this article or any dental matters that
interest you. If you would like, please email me
at barbieridental@gmail.com or call the office at
908-218-0040
or see us on the web @ main-
streetsmile.com. If you enjoyed this article like us
on Facebook at mainstreetsmile.
DENTAL MYTH BUSTERS
By: Francis Barbieri, Jr., DDS, FAGD
www.theconnectionsnj.com
link
link