Did you know that fluoride has been a part of dentistry for over 70 years? In fact, fluoride may just be a general dentist’s best friend because it helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent dental decay. For this reason, fluoride is used in dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. It is also applied topically after a teeth cleaning and can be found in drinking water. 

But, why exactly is fluoride so popular in dentistry? And is it safe to consume and expose ourselves and our families to so much fluoride? Recently, there has been some controversy regarding the addition of fluoride to the drinking water. During any controversy, it is important to evaluate the facts. Therefore, here are four facts about fluoride: 

1. A Common Element

Contrary to what some may believe, fluoride is a mineral not a medication. Fluoride is derived from fluorine, which is a natural component of the earth’s crust. It is found in soil, rocks, and water, and is the 13th most abundant element in the world. Fluoride used for water fluoridation, as well as phosphoric acid used for Coke and Pepsi are both found and extracted from a phosphate rock. 

2. Makes Your Teeth Stronger

Fluoride is an ion, meaning that it is an atom that holds a negative or positive charge and is actively seeking another atom to combine with in order to balance that charge.  Tooth enamel is composed of calcium and phosphate, which both have positive charges. Since fluoride has a negative charge, it combines with calcium and phosphate to form a compound called fluorapatite. This compound is much stronger than simply calcium and phosphate, meaning that your teeth will be more resistant against the bacterial acid erosion that causes cavities. 

3. Fluoridated Water Improves the Oral Health of Communities

Adding fluoride to the drinking water has been proven to be largely beneficial in reducing tooth decay. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  considers water fluoridation as one of the greatest health achievements of the 20th century. Since the introduction of fluoridated drinking water, many studies have been performed to test this theory. One study in particular was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in order to determine which community-based health programs were effective and those that were not. Their conclusion was to continue recommending communal water fluoridation due to its ability to reduce tooth decay. Not only does in increase communal oral health, but it decreases expenses paid to treat dental problems. 

4. Fluoride is safe

Since fluoride is found in the earth’s crust, it  is a naturally occurring substance in water and air. In fact, a person gets about 75% of their fluoride uptake by water, soft drinks, and juice. The amount of fluoride added to drinking water is about 1.4 mg to 3.4 mg, however the exact amount  can vary depending on the community. To determine how much fluoride is in your drinking water, check out your local water district website. Additionally, over 3,200 studies have been conducted on fluoride’s use in drinking water providing evidence that it is safe. Furthermore, various medical and health organizations have stated that fluoridated drinking water is safe. 

As you can see, fluoride is a highly beneficial mineral that is added to dental products and drinking water in order to safely strengthen your tooth enamel and improve the oral health of the community. Despite the recent accusations against fluoride, the scientific evidence proves that it is both highly effective and safe. For more information, you can check out the American Dental Association’s pamphlet on “Fluoridation Facts”. 

If you have crooked teeth and are looking into orthodontic treatment, there are many options for you to choose from. One of these options is Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign treatment is both discrete and convenient, which has made it a popular choice for many people. By simply wearing your clear aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day, your teeth will gradually shift into their proper positions. 

Not only will Invisalign correct crooked teeth, but it will also correct misaligned bites. Misaligned bites are formally known as malocclusion. Malocclusion can cause a range of dental issues depending on its type and severity. In order to prevent future dental issues, many dentists highly recommend seeking orthodontic treatment to correctly align the bite. Luckily, Invisalign can correct four types of malocclusion: 

Cross Bite

A cross bite occurs when the top and bottom jaws simply do not meet up properly due to a lateral misalignment of the upper and lower arches. It is usually characterized by some of the top front teeth sitting inside the front lower teeth. Cross bites almost always require orthodontic treatment because they can cause major issues like gum recession, bone loss, or chipped/cracked teeth. Some crossbites can be treated with Invisalign, however other types may require another treatment approach. 

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the top and bottom jaws do not meet up at all. In cases of open bites, there is generally a gap between the top and bottom teeth. As you can probably guess, this makes biting and chewing highly difficult. By closing your bite through Invisalign orthodontic treatment, your dentist will close the bite and restore proper chewing function. 

Overbite

An overbite, or deep bite, occurs when the top front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth by more than 25%. Many people have a slight overbite that is known as class one malocclusion. However, cases over 25%  are known as class two malocclusion or retrognathism and usually require corrective treatment to prevent future jaw pain and premature tooth wear. 

Underbite

An underbite is basically an overbite reversed. With an underbite, the lower front teeth overlap the top front teeth because the lower jaw is too far forward. Underbites are also known as prognathism and are considered a class three malocclusion. They often make it difficult to chew and speak properly, and may also wear down the teeth. For these reasons, dentists recommend orthodontic treatment to resolve an underbite. While Invisalign can treat underbites, severe cases may also require surgery in coordination with Invisalign treatment. 

In conclusion, Invisalign can properly align teeth while also correcting crossbites, open bites, overbites, and underbites. The final result is a smile that looks amazing and functions properly. Correcting malocclusion will also reduce the risk of developing dental issues down the road. However, in order to find out how Invisalign can improve your smile, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with a local Invisalign dentist for more information. 

Did you know that you have thousands of naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth that love to live on the surface of your teeth and share the same food you eat? Gross, isn’t it? The good news is that excess bacteria can be removed from your teeth through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. 

To prevent bacteria populations from growing and causing dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, the American Dental Association advises individuals to visit their local dental practice once every six months for a dental exam and cleaning. Dental exams will allow your general dentist to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, while professional teeth cleanings will remove excess plaque and tartar. Since bacteria live in dental plaque and tartar, this also removes large amounts of bacteria. 

Depending on the amount of plaque and tartar on your teeth, your dentist will perform one of the following four types of dental cleanings: 

1. Prophylaxis Dental Cleaning

The word prophylaxis means “to prevent disease”. Therefore, prophylaxis dental cleanings are used to clean healthy teeth in order to prevent them from becoming affected by tooth decay or gum disease. Prophylaxis cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the front, back, and sides of teeth using a dental scaler or water stream. Most dental patients only require a prophylaxis cleaning, especially if they have kept up on daily dental hygiene and semi annual dental appointments. 

2. Scaling and Root Planing Cleaning

Scaling and root planing cleanings, also known as deep cleanings, are used to both the teeth and gum pockets in order to treat gingivitis and periodontitis. Deep cleanings for gingivitis are usually completed in a single dental appointment. Deep cleanings for periodontitis, on the other hand, may require multiple appointments and local anesthetics depending on the severity. Scaling is the process that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth’s surface and in the gum pockets below the gum line that form as a result of gum disease. Not only does this remove bacteria, but it also helps to reduce gum inflammation. Root planing is the process of smoothing the tooth roots, which helps the gums reattach to teeth and eliminate gum pockets. 

3. Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning: 

Periodontal maintenance cleanings are also dental cleanings designed to treat gum disease. Like scaling and root planing, they remove excess plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and gum pockets, then smooth out the roots if needed. The main thing that sets periodontal maintenance cleanings apart is that they are usually performed more often than other types of dental cleanings. This is because gum disease is progressive and will continue to get worse if not effectively treated. 

4. Gross Debridement Cleaning: 

Gross debridement cleanings are the most heavy-duty of teeth cleanings designed to clean teeth with copious amounts of plaque and tartar. These cases are generally individuals that struggle to maintain an oral care routine or who have avoided the dentist for a significant amount of time. Since plaque hardens into tartar and large amounts of tartar are especially hard, an electrical tool is used to loosen tartar during gross debridement cleanings. Once the excess plaque and tartar have been removed, a prophylaxis cleaning is performed to further clean the teeth. 

As you can see, there are different types of dental cleanings that your dentist may choose to use depending on what they find during your dental exam. While all of these cleanings have the same basic premise, they each offer a slightly different approach based on certain situations. Now that you know the four types of dental cleanings, only one question remains: how long has it been since your last teeth cleaning?

Just as naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth can affect your teeth by causing tooth decay, they can also affect your gums by causing gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is unfortunately highly common. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have noted that over 50% of Americans over the age of 30 and 70% of Americans over the age of 65 currently have some form of gum disease. 

There are two forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with treatment. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a more severe form of gum disease that cannot be reversed and will continue to progress without treatment. Individuals with periodontitis are encouraged to undergo regular specialized cleanings to manage their periodontitis and prevent it from becoming worse. 

The early detection of gum disease increases the likelihood that it can be reversed with treatment. To detect gum disease, here are three common signs to look for: 

Abnormal Gum Appearance

Healthy gums are a coral pink color, although they may be slightly darker in those with darker skin pigments. Abnormal gums are those that are deep pink, red, swollen, inflamed, or that bleed easily. Contrary to what many believe, your gums are not supposed to bleed when you floss. If your gums appear to be inflamed, discolored, swollen, or bleeding, then you should schedule an appointment with your general dentist immediately. 

Gum Recession

Healthy gums cover the entire tooth root and are firmly attached to the teeth. When bacteria accumulates in the gum pockets, this causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Receding gums can look loose around the teeth and they make the teeth look larger than usual. This is because when the gums pull away from the teeth, they expose the tooth root. Additionally, severe gum recession can eventually lead to the teeth becoming loose and/or shifting in position. This can result in teeth falling out and/or a misaligned bite. 

Pain

In most cases, gum disease does not cause pain. This is one reason why it often goes unnoticed until it has advanced. When pain does occur, it is usually the result of extreme inflammation and is felt in the gums or even while chewing. However, pain can also occur in the form of tooth sensitivity. This happens because gum recession causes tooth roots to be exposed. Tooth roots contain a thinner layer of enamel because they are normally protected by the gums. Since they have a thin protective coating, stimuli are more likely to enter the tooth and cause pain. 

Being able to identify gum disease through abnormal gum appearance, gum recession, and pain, will enable you to seek dental treatment sooner rather than later. A prompt dental exam and treatment carried out by a general dentist is essential to either reverse or manage periodontal disease. Unfortunately, gum disease is not something you can ignore and it will continue to get worse the longer it persists. If you have noticed any of these three common signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your local general dentist. 

Even though general dentists examine your teeth, gums, and jaw, as well as screening for oral cancer and breath odor, there are still more things that your dentist does during your appointment. Here are five more things your general dentist does: 

Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays are taken during your dental appointment in order to evaluate the underlying structures. They provide important diagnostic information about your jawbones, possible wisdom teeth, and cavities that may not be noticeable during an exam. Dental x-rays also help general dentists determine the type and severity of malocclusion, as well as how it is affecting the jaw joint. 

Discusses Your Oral & Overall Health

An important part of your dental appointment is discussing your medical history and list of current medications with your dentist. This is because oral and overall health are closely related and can directly affect one another. For example, pregnant women or people with diabetes may be at an increased risk for gum disease, while people with acid reflux may have significant enamel wear. By discussing your medical history, your general dentist can determine what type of preventive dental treatment is best for you. 

Provides Education

As your dentist evaluates your teeth and gums, they may offer advice on your dental hygiene routine. Just by looking at your teeth and gums, dentists can tell if you floss regularly or just before your appointment. They can also tell if you brush regularly, or if you brush too hard. If they notice anything, they may provide education on the proper brushing and flossing techniques. They may also offer advice on which toothpaste you should be using, if you need mouthwash, and what type of toothbrush is best for you. 

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Before your dental appointment ends, you will have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove excess plaque and tartar. Professional teeth cleanings are an extremely beneficial preventative dental treatment because they reduce the risk of both tooth decay and gum disease. This is because the bacteria responsible for these issues resides in dental plaque. By removing the dental plaque, the amount of bacteria is significantly reduced, which reduces the risk as well. During a teeth cleaning, a special tool called a scaler is used to scrape off plaque and tartar from the entire surface of the teeth. Then the teeth are brushed with a gritty toothpaste, flossed, and rinsed. 

Treats Teeth with Fluoride

The final thing your dentist does at your dental appointment is to apply fluoride to the tooth enamel after the enamel has been cleaned. This can be accomplished with a fluoride polish or rinse. Fluoride has been proven to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by bacteria that cause tooth decay. It also makes it harder for plaque to attach to the tooth enamel. Since dental plaque is the ideal environment for the bacteria that cause tooth decay, less plaque on the tooth enamel means less chance of tooth decay. 

As you can see, your general dentist does many important things during your dental appointment. Many people don’t realize just how many things their dentist does because their dentist’s are so efficient. Because general dentists do so much during your dental appointment, these semi-annual appointments are highly beneficial to your oral health. How long has it been since your last dental appointment?

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