Sometimes it's hard to justify working a regular dental checkup into a busy schedule, so some people have been known to try and conduct some of the procedures, such as scaling their teeth, at home by themselves, often leading to disastrous results.

A dentist-supervised continuing care appointment includes scaling, to ensure that bacteria are removed from around and below the gum line, and polishing procedures to remove plaque, calculus and stains from teeth. If the calculus is not removed, it irritates and inflames the gums, ultimately leading to gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

While home-scaling devices are available in some drugstores, we ask our patients to be aware of the possible problems you may open yourself up to by trying to use this seemingly-simple tool at home. Users of the self-scaling system have been known to chip a tooth or the enamel from a tooth with them, gauge their roots and experience the possibility of gum abscesses if tartar is pushed under the gumline.  Us dentists and hygienists are trained in the proper scaling procedure, and will ensure a safe and effective result using the professional tools and experience you deserve. 

With the kids now settled back into their school year routines, you're probably back to the practice of making daily lunches. But, while they may leave home with their healthy homemade lunches and snacks, you should also be aware of the temptations that await them in the soft drink, sport drink and snack vending machines available in many schools.

The Academy of General Dentistry states that soft drink purchases by teens in schools has increased by 1,100 percent over the past 20 years, while dairy purchases have decreased by 30 percent!

Multiplying the approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar contained in a typical 12-ounce can of regular soda by the equivalent of 868 cans of soda consumed by the average male in the 12- to 19-year age group makes for a frightening total. Not only is sugar harmful to the teeth, but acidic flavor additives can also erode and damage tooth enamel.

Sport drinks are also an issue for kids to drink in large amounts.  While coaches and parents may be loading kids up with sports drinks to keep them hydrated, they are also loading them up with sugar and potential cavities.  Try to keep the sport drinks limited and substitute water for the rest.

Save soft drinks and candy for special treats if you can, and make sure your child knows, that if he or she does have a sugary drink or snack during the day, to rinse out their mouth with water immediately after consuming the treat. If they can't do that right away, keep a supply of sugar-free gum with xylitol in their lunch bag to help cleanse their mouth.

It's important for all family members to maintain a regular schedule of dental visits. Please call us for more information on how we may help you maintain your, and your family's, dental health.  

While we endeavor to help our patients avoid tooth problems, the reality is that by the time many people get to the dentist, they are already experiencing symptoms of dental distress.

Many common dental complaints — both physical and cosmetic — can be traced back to enamel damage.

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. While it's one of the hardest substances in the body, it isn't invincible, and can be permanently damaged by the effects of the acidic foods and drinks we consume almost every day. Unlike a broken bone that can be repaired by the body, enamel has no living cells, which means the body cannot naturally repair worn out, chipped or cracked enamel.

Are you, or is someone you know, experiencing one or more of these symptoms?

• Tooth sensitivity. Tooth enamel protects the softer, more sensitive dentin underneath, so when the enamel wears away, so does protection from hot and cold.
• Tooth discoloration. As the tooth enamel wears away, the dentin underneath comes more into view, resulting in a yellow discoloration to the teeth.
• Tooth transparency. With enamel erosion, patients often notice that the tips of their front teeth start to look transparent, and in some cases the erosion actually changes the shape of the teeth.
• Cracks in the teeth, or dental decay.

While these could also be signs of other dental issues, if, after your dental consultation, we do discover you have enamel damage, we will talk about how to correct the problem before it progresses. Treatments could range from fluoride applications and specialized toothpastes to bonding, veneers or crowns, to improve both the appearance and the function of your teeth.

And, while regular preventive appointments are always wise, it's especially important to come in for a professional assessment if you're experiencing any form of dental distress. 

MI Paste is a nourishing dental paste made with a natural protein, extracted from milk. It replenishes minerals and proteins that may be stripped from your teeth during whitening, and can be compared to using conditioner to restore your hair's vitality after shampooing strips essential oils and nutrients.

The paste is usually squeezed into a pre-formed tray and placed in the mouth to cover the teeth completely, or applied manually by squeezing a bit on the patient's finger and placing it around specified areas.

MI Paste can be useful in these situations:

• To nourish teeth before and after whitening.
• To restore enamel gloss after whitening.
• If you have sensitive teeth.
• If you have dry mouth due to certain medications.
• If you are susceptible to dehydration from sports or other activities.
• To prevent or reverse white spot lesions for those with orthodontic bands or brackets, or who have had them removed.
• If your mouth acid levels are higher than normal, sometimes linked to pregnancy or excessive consumption of soft drinks.

Ask us if MI Paste is right for you!