Are Metal Dental Fillings Safe?

Posted August 2, 2012 by Dr. Coon

When tooth decay is mild, a dental filling procedure usually helps halt the spread of infection and save your tooth. For over 150 years, the filling material of choice was amalgam, a metal mixture composed of silver, tin, copper, zinc, mercury, and sometimes other metals. Amalgam has remained popular as an inexpensive dental restoration, yet debates have raged over its mercury content. Mercury exposure has been linked to adverse health effects in the brain and kidney, so people have always been wary of pouring the metal into their teeth. Your Sheridan dentists at Grinnell Street Dental discuss the controversy of metal dental amalgam.

The Amalgam War

In the 1830’s, two French brothers introduced amalgam fillings to the United States. The Crawcours brothers named their product royal mineral succedaneum. Within ten years, their product comprised half of the dental restorations placed in upstate New York. Many dentists objected to placing their patients at risk for mercury poisoning, and in 1845, the American Society of Dental Surgeons (ASDS) asked its members to pledge never to use it. At the time, however, gold was the only alternative filling material, and since patients did not develop symptoms of poisoning after leaving the dentist’s office, economics trumped the worries of the ASDS. By the end of the 1850s, the ASDS disbanded. (more…)

Don’t Let Your Oral Health Go Up in Smoke

Posted July 25, 2012 by Dr. Coon

There’s a high probability of you having realized by now that smoking tobacco is absolutely destructive to your health. Endless reports show that smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to various types of cancers, as well as emphysema, severe complications during pregnancy, and premature death. Some of the science behind the destruction can be overwhelmingly complex. In the belief that knowledge is power, your Sheridan dentists explain how tobacco can destroy your oral health.

Aside from Cancer…

Oral, throat, and lung cancer are among the most common forms of cancer caused by tobacco, but smoking is capable of so much more. Other effects of smoke include tooth discoloration, which could be improved with cosmetic teeth whitening, and bad breath, which will most likely not be resolved until the habit is kicked. But wait, there’s more. Smoking and smokeless tobacco use can also cause the following:

Inflammation of the salivary glands, which open at the roof of the mouth. This leads to chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia, which comes with a greatly-increased risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease, as well as malnutrition due to difficulty eating.
Increased buildup of plaque and tartar, which also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Increased alveolar (jaw) bone loss, which diminishes tooth support. When a tooth is lost, the missing tooth also exacerbates jawbone loss, throwing your oral health into a vicious cycle of disease, tooth loss, and bone degradation, plus increased risk of infection from tobacco use.
Inhibited recovery process following a tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or any other oral surgery.
Lower chances of a successful implant procedure (which requires proper jawbone healing to function properly).
Increased risk of severe periodontitis (chronic gum disease). (more…)

Sheridan Dentists Discuss Oral Health and Piercings

Posted July 18, 2012 by Dr. Coon

Piercings have gained a lot of prominence over the last decade or so, becoming more socially acceptable than some people ever thought possible. These days, seeing teenagers walk around with metal accessories in various places is no longer shocking. Even adults are opting for self-expression through tattoos and body piercings, now more than in previous decades. One common practice is piercing oral structures (i.e., lips, tongue, cheek, etc.), sometimes in multiple places. Widely accepted, however, does not equal safe. Your Grinnell Street Dentists lists some of the dangers of oral piercings to your oral health.

Facts About Your Oral Piercing

Wherever you decide to place a piercing, you create an open wound. Oral piercings create open wounds in your oral cavity, which is also where 10-15 billion bacteria live and thrive.
The bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is suspected to be the main culprit in gum disease. The presence of P. gingivalis incites your body’s inflammatory response to infection. If this bacterium enters your bloodstream through an oral wound, it will promote inflammation in every tissue with which it comes in contact. Improperly cleaned piercing equipment and jewelry can also lead to infections within the wound and possibly transmit diseases. (more…)

Sheridan Dentist Discusses the Bacteria in Your Mouth

Posted July 11, 2012 by Dr. Coon

Much ado has been made about the bacteria that reside in your mouth. You know by now that brushing and flossing at least twice a day controls the accumulation of bacteria and plaque to help fight infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. However, not all of your oral bacteria are bad. Your Sheridan dentists at Grinnell Street Dental provide the following facts to help you better understand the inhabitants of your oral cavity.

Bacteria Facts

At any given time, there are between 10-50 billion bacteria in your mouth. However, out of the 75-100 different species, only a few of them are harmful. The remainder assists in neutralizing acids and warding off their harmful counterparts.
When you eat, especially food high in sugar, the malicious bacteria in your mouth digest the ingredients and excrete acids over the surfaces of your teeth. Confine eating to larger meals and refrain from snacking throughout the day to reduce the number of times acid is secreted onto your teeth. (more…)

Cavity Prevention Tips From Your Sheridan Dentist

Posted July 6, 2012 by Dr. Coon

Cavities are a common reason for sensitive teeth. They are a nuisance no matter the season, but during the warm months of summer, simple pleasures such as a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade can provide you as much discomfort as nourishment. Although Dr. Coon can ease your tooth sensitivity by treating its source, the best medicine is always prevention. Follow this advice to strengthen your defense against tooth sensitivity this summer.

What to Avoid

Soda, fruit juice, iced tea, lemonade, and many other popular beverages contain large amounts of refined sugar. When plaque processes refined sugar, the by-product is lactic acid, which plaque secretes onto the surfaces of your teeth. Your enamel, the hard protective layer that coats the outside of your teeth, is comprised of mineral crystals, mainly calcium and phosphate. Although enamel cannot repair itself if damaged or cracked (enamel contains no living cells), it can strengthen itself with these minerals, in a process called remineralization, when weakened. When acid attacks, it siphons minerals from your teeth, weakens your enamel, and prevents it from remineralizing. As enamel’s integrity is compromised, bacteria can slip past, attack your inner tooth, and lead to tooth decay.
As you probably know, water is the safest refreshment. It contains no sugars or additives, and it moistens your oral cavity to prevent dry mouth. If you eat something sweet or drink a sugary beverage, rinse your mouth with water afterward to wash away sugar and plaque. Also, drink quickly. The longer you sip your beverage, the longer your teeth are exposed to damaging elements. (more…)

Toothbrush Trivia and Facts from Your Sheridan Dentist

Posted June 28, 2012 by Dr. Coon

You use your toothbrush every day because you know how important it is to keep your teeth clean. You also know that proper oral hygiene prevents cavities, plaque buildup, and gum disease. If you brush twice a day for two minutes each time, you will spend about 24 hours per year brushing your teeth. As simple as a toothbrush seems, you may be surprised how it has evolved. Here are some fun facts about the history of the toothbrush.

Historical Trivia of the Toothbrush

Researchers have found that people in ancient times were concerned about oral hygiene. For example, the ancient Babylonians chewed on sticks from trees to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. These sticks resembled large toothpicks.
Records indicate that chewing sticks were used in ancient Greece and Rome, too.
Around 1600 B.C., the chewing stick evolved in China into the “chew stick.” The chew stick was about the size of a pencil. One end was pointed and used as a toothpick, while the other end was softened and acted as a rudimentary brush.
During the Middle Ages, China was the first area of the world to develop a toothbrush with bristles. Early versions of the Chinese toothbrush consisted of hog’s hair attached to bamboo sticks. (more…)

55+ers Wishing They Could Go Back and Brush More Often

Posted June 19, 2012 by Dr. Coon

A UK study found that six of ten people over 55 wish they had better cared for their teeth early in life. While this study was conducted across the pond, so to speak, we know that half of Americans don’t visit the dentist each year, and only 12% of us floss daily. The American Dental Association recommends flossing once and brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Hollywood’s Austin Powers makes fun of Brits for their poor oral hygiene, but perhaps we should look in the mirror before making accusations. (more…)

Comprehensive Restorative & Cosmetic Dentists in Sheridan

Posted June 12, 2012 by Dr. Coon

At Grinnell Street Dental, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive dental care to you and your family. From correcting crooked teeth to brightening a yellowed smile, our dental services address many cosmetic and restorative dental concerns. With Father’s Day coming up this weekend, give Dad the gift of knowing that his family’s oral health is in the right hands. In this blog post, your Sheridan dentists explain some of the many services they provide.

Achieving a Straight Smile

If a straight smile is what you’re after, the team at Grinnell Street Dental has you covered with Invisalign clear braces. For teens and adults who prefer not to wear traditional metal braces, Invisalign is the perfect choice. A custom-made series of clear, custom-fitted aligners uses gentle pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. After only 12 to 18 months, you will have straight smile of your dreams.

Brightening Your Smile

Straight teeth aren’t the only important quality in a great smile, the color of your teeth plays a role, too. At Grinnell Street Dental, we offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening. For the in-office treatment, we will apply a bleaching gel to your teeth, then activate it with a special light. You will leave the appointment with a smile that’s significantly brighter than when you arrived! If you would rather whiten your teeth at home, we will provide you with custom-fitted trays and a prescription-strength whitening solution. For optimal results, wear these trays for a couple of hours every night for two weeks. (more…)

Sheridan Dentists Promote National Cancer Survivors Day

Posted June 6, 2012 by Dr. Coon

The annual celebration of life known as National Cancer Survivors Day took place this past Sunday. Inspired by this joyous event, your Sheridan dentists are raising awareness about oral cancer. Protect yourself by knowing the facts about this dangerous disease that claims the lives of 8,000 Americans each year.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer does not have an immediate cause, but risk factors increase a patient’s likelihood of developing the disease. For instance, men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women, and men over 50 face an even higher risk. Other risk factors include tobacco use, binge drinking, excessive sun exposure, and a family history of cancer. However, you should maintain good health and be aware of oral cancer’s warning signs, even if you don’t fall into those categories.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Regular dental checkups are not only important for the cleanliness of your teeth, they also allow us to protect patients against oral cancer. At six-month dental checkups, we conduct an oral cancer screening on our patients. You probably aren’t aware of the screening. We’re looking for white or red patches – lesions that could indicate cancer. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the higher the success rate for treatment. In fact, early detection increases the survival chance by 80-90%. (more…)

Prenatal Dental Care

Posted May 22, 2012 by Dr. Coon

Almost everyone is familiar with the common pregnancy precautions of avoiding alcohol, eating healthy, and taking prenatal vitamins. What many people don’t realize, however, is that some dental precautions that should be kept in mind as well. Your Sheridan dentists, Dr. Donald Coon, Dr. Justin Coon, and Dr. Cody Coon, explain the importance of prenatal dental care.

Take Care of Gums

Healthy gums are important to pregnant women. Because of increased hormone levels, a pregnant woman’s gums will react more severely to plaque build-up, thus swelling and bleeding more frequently. This condition is called “pregnancy gingivitis.” Keeping this condition, which is the earliest stage of gum disease, under control is essential because women who have gum disease are more likely to develop pregnancy complications. Gum disease has been linked with preeclampsia and delivering premature or underweight babies, so preventing gum disease is vital for both your health the health of your child. (more…)

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