If you are concerned about exposure to radiation from dental x-rays, you should know that a routine exam, which includes four bitewing x-rays, is equivalent to less than one day of natural background radiation or a short plane trip (1-2 hours). By properly shielding patients’ bodies while taking x-rays, the radiation exposure is even lower.
read moreNight time snoring is not only annoying, but it may also be indicative of a far more serious problem. “Sleep apnea” is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing, snorting and choking noises, and instances of shallow breathing. “Obstructive” sleep apnea occurs when muscles at the back of the throat (which support the
read moreIf you are missing teeth and want the best long-term tooth-replacement option, consider dental implants. This increasingly popular treatment involves the surgical implantation of a titanium post that integrates with the jawbone. Several months after being screwed into place, the implant and bone become so solidly joined together that the implant can accept a prosthetic
read moreWhile many people believe that sugar-free beverages do not pose a danger to teeth, the fact is sugar-free drinks and confections can be as damaging as their sugary counterparts. It is important to know that, whether or not a drink contains sugar, it is the acid in those drinks that does the damage. Sugar is
read moreIf you neglect your oral health to the point where you develop gum disease, you are placing more than your teeth and gums in jeopardy. Aside from developing the bleeding gums characteristic of “gingivitis” (gum inflammation), research shows that your immune system will become compromised. As a result, white blood cells (which fight off infection)
read moreThere are numerous kinds of floss from which to choose in order to meet your flossing needs. While unwaxed floss is best for closely spaced teeth, waxed floss is more resistant to breaking but more difficult to use in tight spaces. For cleaning between teeth that are loosely spaced, dental tape (waxed or unwaxed) is
read moreChildren are not the only ones who stand to benefit from fluoride treatment. When demineralization of the tooth enamel occurs due to the destructive work of bacterial acids in plaque, fluoride can reverse the process and “remineralize” the enamel and arrest tooth decay. Moreover, menopausal women, who tend to lose bone density, should note that
read moreWhether dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and veneers are supported by natural teeth or implants, they require lifelong care. Newly revised guidelines recommend that patients with dental restorations visit their dentists at least every six months so that the dentist and/or hygienist can clean, adjust, repair, or replace their restorations. The dental team can
read moreIf you’ve ever had a cavity filled, you are probably familiar with the traditional amalgam (“silver”) filling and/or the tooth-colored composite filling. Dental fillings of the future, however, may be composed of something else entirely, as researchers are currently developing “bioactive” glass. This material, a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the
read moreIf you’ve noticed notches in the enamel of your teeth at the point along which the gums meet the tooth (known as the “gingival margin”), you likely have a form of tooth loss known as “abfraction.” This loss of tooth structure is not caused by decay. Instead, it can be traced to forces exerted on the
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