Why We Like White Teeth

There’s no arguing it, people like white teeth – on themselves and on others. Perhaps this is because white teeth appear healthier and cleaner. Some scientists also guess that having white teeth is a sign of good genetics, which is attractive to potential mates. Dr. Keltner says a white smile is “the intense focus of what other people look at, and a sign of our warmth, confidence, and health.”

Why Some Teeth are Whiter

Healthy, white teeth come in a variety of hues and shades. We are all unique, and so are our smiles. The white of your teeth actually comes from the outer layer, the enamel. Healthy enamel is like strong bone and protects the inner layers of your teeth. Protecting your enamel is a good way to maintain white teeth.

Some people still have naturally whiter teeth than others. Maybe it’s a result of good oral hygiene, maybe it’s just good genetics, or maybe they’re just young enough that their teeth haven’t started yellowing yet. Unfortunately, all of our teeth tend to yellow and discolor with age. Some bad habits that stain your teeth include:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Drinking red wine
• Drinking coffee
• Drinking cola
• Eating dark-colored berries
• Taking certain medications (i.e.,tetracycline)

How You Can Get White Teeth

People have used a variety of products and procedures since the beginning of time to brighten their smiles. In ancient Egypt, white teeth were a sign of beauty and wealth. The ancient Egyptians used a paste made of ground pumice and wine vinegar to whiten their teeth.

Modern bleaching with peroxide and trays was an accidental discovery. Dentists knew that peroxide was a good antiseptic and used it to treat gum disease. As they tried to find ways to keep the peroxide on the gums for longer periods of time, they saw the peroxide also made teeth whiter! Today, whitening products come in all forms: strips, trays, paste, rinses, and laser lights to speed up the process. Not all teeth have to be blinding or unnatural looking to pass the test. Dr. Cox can help you determine the best shade of white for your own teeth based on the rest of your coloring. Excessive teeth bleaching may increase your tooth sensitivity, so consult with Advanced Dental before you start any whitening treatment.

If you’d like a consultation for cosmetic dentistry or any other oral health goals, contact us today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Sources

http://news.pg.com/press-release/pg-corporate-announcements/new-study-shows-whiter-teeth-can-lead-greater-success-work-

http://www.realsimple.com/health/first-aid-health-basics/12-health-mysteries-explained/why-people-whiter-teeth-others

The post Could White Teeth Help You Land a Job Interview? appeared first on Advanced Dental.

So which is it? Do the health benefits outweigh the negatives of fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water? We at Advanced Dental know that Lebanon folks care a great deal about their health, so we’ve put this article together to examine the facts and help you come to your own decision. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to give us a call!

Why Use Fluoride in the First Place?

In order to understand the controversy, we must first understand what led to putting fluoride in toothpaste and water. Even today, dental caries (tooth decay) is considered the most prevalent chronic disease in children and adults. With that in mind, it’s not hard to understand why Grand Rapids, Michigan took a leap in 1945, becoming the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water supply.

The hope was that fluoridation would dramatically reduce the amount of tooth decay in children. After 11 years, the National Institute for Dental Research validated that hope, announcing that fluoridation had coincided with a 60% drop in the rates of tooth decay. Fast forward to 2000 and roughly half of the country’s water supply is fluoridated.

How Does Fluoride Work?

Fluoride aids in the protection of teeth by preventing decay in two ways:

1. Fluoride keeps plaque-based bacteria from producing decay-causing acid.
2. Fluoride remineralizes, or repairs, areas of teeth that have been damaged by decay.

Is Fluoride Dangerous?

As Mark Twain is famous for saying, “too much of anything is bad…” That is certainly true for fluoride. Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that permanently stains and pits the enamel of the teeth. More serious complications, such as skeletal fluorosis, can occur as well. In extremely high doses, fluoride can even cause death. The important thing to know is that fluoride’s popularity has led to its inclusion in more than just water and toothpaste – namely juice, soda, food, and pesticides.

Moderation is Key

As long as fluoride doesn’t exceed the EPA regulated 4mg/L, research suggests that the benefits outweigh the potential complications. The trick is monitoring your fluoride intake from all sources, not just water and toothpaste. However, there are plenty of anti-fluoride activists that advocate for removing fluoride from all sources.

What’s Dr. Cox’s Position on Fluoride?

Like most other dentists, Dr. Cox recommends that Lebanon residents use fluoride toothpaste, but reminds us to rinse thoroughly. If you have any questions about fluoride or would like to chat about anything dental, don’t hesitate to contact us at Advanced Dental!

Sources

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/how-much-fluoride.htm

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/fluoride-free-toothpaste.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00056796.htm

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/DentalCaries/

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/54577-too-much-of-anything-is-bad-but-too-much-good

http://fluoridealert.org/articles/kennerly/

The post Fluoride: Good or Bad? appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Imagine this- you have come to see Dr. Cox for a cleaning and routine check-up. The cleaning goes well, but then Dr. Cox tells you that you have a cavity. You’ve been dreading the possibility of this news and now you fear that something must be wrong, since you have been brushing and flossing regularly.

We at Advanced Dental see this happen every day and we want to put your mind at ease. Cavities are very common and usually a simple fix for Dr. Cox. Use this guide to learn about what cavities are and how you can prevent them.

Cavities: The Basics

Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is a byproduct of too much plaque.

Here’s how it works. Every day, our saliva breaks down the food we eat into bacteria and then into acid, which mixes with the saliva and forms the nuisance commonly referred to as plaque. Remarkably, it only takes 20 minutes for plaque to form on your teeth after eating. Plaque is corrosive to the outer layer of your teeth (enamel). If plaque is left to its own devices, it will likely result in tooth decay, which literally causes decay in the structure of your teeth. Both enamel and dentin (the layer beneath enamel) may be damaged during this process, and a cavity can often form as a result.

How to Prevent Cavities

Now that you know the cavity’s life story, it’s time to find out how to keep your teeth protected! First of all, it’s important to understand that the majority of people will get at least one cavity in their lifetime, and although cavities most often affect children, it is possible for people of all ages to get them at any time. How do you stay safe? Dr. Cox recommends these tips:

• Brush and floss at least twice a day, every day, especially after eating sugary or starchy foods! These foods transform into cavity-forming acid with ease.
• Mouthwash/rinses and pastes (such as Carifree and Fluorides) help your teeth stay protected.
• Watch for common warning signs- tooth pains or aches, particularly when caused by foods/beverages that are cold, hot, and/or sweet.
• Come see us at Advanced Dental for your cleanings and check-ups. We are experts at stopping cavities in their tracks and we love to see confident Dr. Cox smiles.

If you still fear cavities, that’s OK. We just want you to know that they are quite common and you should never be embarrassed or ashamed about having one. That being said, it is not a good idea to ignore them. Eventually, cavities can cause tooth discoloration and even lead to actual holes in your teeth.

Don’t fret! Dr. Cox is Lebanon’s leading expert on cavities and our office is equipped with modern X-ray and laser technology capable of detecting cavities before even they know what they are.

Please feel free to call us at Advanced Dental with questions any time, make sure to come in regularly for your check-ups, or just schedule an appointment now!

The post A Guide to Cavity Prevention appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Most Lebanon residents will lose a tooth at some point in their lives, but that doesn’t mean your smile has to suffer. There are numerous ways to fix a lost tooth, but today, Dr. Cox would like to educate you about the best option for a healthy smile that will last a lifetime: dental implants. Here are some facts about dental implants. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to give us at Advanced Dental a call.

1. Implants function just like real teeth

If you are looking for a solution that will preserve and improve the health of your mouth, implants are the way to go. Although dentures and bridges can help simulate the function of real teeth, they do not stimulate the jawbone. Implants are placed directly in the jawbone, just like the root of a tooth. As a result, they can put a stop to painful, damaging reabsorption, so that you never have to deal with that “sunken in” look. On top of that, implants are sturdier than any other form of dental appliance.

2. Implants stabilize other appliances

If you already have bridges, crowns, or dentures and are considering implants, listen to this – implants add stability to other appliances. Because they are rooted in the jawbone like real teeth, they serve as excellent support systems for appliances and help to maintain the natural structure of your face.

3. Implants can last a lifetime

It is common to hear about dental appliances needing to be adjusted, fixed or replaced altogether. Lebanon residents with dentures, bridges, and/or crowns may find that they can wear out and require attention. However, implants have the potential to last as long as you do. There is no way to be certain, but the odd are in your favor. If cared for with good dental hygiene and regular visits to Dr. Cox, your implant will likely stick with you forever.

4. Dr. Cox is an expert in dental implants.

If your smile is haunted by a missing tooth, we at Advanced Dental can help! Give us a call to find out how you can get the smile you’ve always wanted.

The post 4 Facts about Dental Implants appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Originally created for people that can’t consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in Lebanon in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, Dr. Cox wants you to know which of these options are best for your dental and general health, so here are the facts about a few of the most common sweeteners. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Advanced Dental.

The Big Five Sugar Substitutes

The benefits of natural and artificial sugar-free sweeteners were first recognized as a safe option for diabetics, but have since exploded in popularity because food, beverage, candy, and snack companies have discovered that it is easier to sell fewer calories. In addition, Lebanon residents with a sweet tooth know that artificial sweeteners are notorious for their ability to ruin your portion control. All of the following substances are considered sugar-free and inhibit tooth decay because bacteria cannot ferment them into enamel-destroying acids. Despite ongoing controversy about health concerns of sugar substitutes, the FDA considers all of the following substances to be safe for regular consumption.

1. Aspartame is a non-caloric (calorie free) artificial sweetener roughly 200 times sweeter than table sugar and is common in sodas, candy, and gum. It is the main ingredient in NutraSweet, Equal, and Sugar Twin brand sweetener packets. Although the FDA considers it to be safe, health advocates claim that it causes headaches and general malaise. University of Liverpool researchers have also found that when combined with a common food coloring agent, aspartame can become toxic to brain cells. It is also linked to weight gain and appetite control problems.
2. Saccharin is the sugar-free stuff in the tiny pink Sweet’n’Low packets Lebanon residents have been seeing for years. This substance is the oldest artificial sweetener and is 200-700 times sweeter than sugar. It is non-caloric and can be found in a ton of different products. Although saccharin doesn’t have quite as bad a reputation as aspartame, the American Cancer Society found in one study that saccharin is linked to weight gain.
3. Sucralose (Splenda) is an artificial, non-caloric sweetener derived from sucrose (table sugar) in a patented process that replaces several hydroxyl molecules with chlorine atoms. Health concerns with sucralose are mainly related to the body’s inability to detoxify certain substances, specifically organochlorine compounds like sucralose. Health advocates claim that not enough long-term studies have been performed to determine its safety, but the FDA has approved it. Environmentalists worry that sucralose may subtly affect the ecosystem, because it is commonly found downstream of waste treatment plants.
4. Stevia (Truvia) is classified as a novel sweetener and is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. Although it is new to western society, it has been used for hundreds of years by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay. It is non-caloric and poses no known health risks, although it is still undergoing testing by various international food safety agencies, the FDA has awarded it GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status. The largest complaint against stevia is its distinctive aftertaste. Stevia is up to 300 times sweeter than standard sugar, and as with all calorie-free sugar substitutes, it may cause weight gain because it does not provide the ‘full’ feeling we are used to from sugar.
5. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, or polyol, that is derived from vegetable fibers such as corn husks or tree bark. Sugar alcohols are common components in candy, gum, and chocolate and do not actually contain any alcohol. Xylitol is the only sweetener that has been proven to provide active resistance to dental caries. Consuming between 3 and 10g of xylitol (in chewing gum, lozenges, etc.) per day is an effective method of fighting tooth decay. However, Dr. Cox wants every Lebanon resident to know that most gums at your local supermarket checkout counter do not contain enough xylitol to have any effect. They are available in pharmacies, specialty stores, and online. Look for gums that list xylitol as the first or second ingredient. Also, be aware that xylitol gums, while very healthy for your teeth, can be deadly to dogs.

If you would like to discuss the healthiest way to sweeten your coffee or want to visit Advanced Dental for a consultation, please give us a call!

Sources

http://www.umass.edu/nibble/infofile/artsweet.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/12/04/saccharin-aspartame-dangers.aspx

http://www.sugar.org/other-sweeteners/artificial-sweeteners/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3038976

http://www.rodalenews.com/sweeteners

http://www.downtoearth.org/health/vitamins-supplements/sucralose-dangerous-sugar-substitute

The post To Be or Not To Be Sugar-Free: The Facts About Common Sweeteners appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Although you might think of your general health and your dental health as two separate categories, they are much more connected than the average Lebanon resident would suspect. Just like the information you provide to your doctor helps him/her keep your health in good shape, Dr. Cox depends on your input for optimum dental health. We at Advanced Dental like to go above and beyond for our Lebanon patients, but we need your help to make sure you get the quality dental care you deserve. Here are a few reasons why:

The average Lebanon resident might not think to mention to their dentist what’s going on with their physical health, but you’d be surprised how much that information can make a difference in your oral care. Dr. Cox needs to be able to see the whole picture so that we can keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.

Diabetes and Dental Health

750,000 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. However, few diabetes sufferers know the full extent of the disorder’s effect on your teeth. If you have diabetes, you are much more likely to develop:

• Tooth decay
• Advanced Gum disease
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Oral ulcers
• Fungal infections

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD/TMJ) results from improper workings of your jaw joint. Unfortunately, the symptoms of TMJ are so diverse that most Lebanon people would never think to tell Dr. Cox about them. However, we at Advanced Dental can treat your TMD. Here are a few common symptoms signs of TMJ:

• Abnormally sensitive teeth
• Painful chewing
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Neck pain and/or stiffness
• Earaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Face pain
• Jaw aches
• Popping, clicking, or grinding of the jaw
• Frequent dislocation or locking of the jaw
• Difficulty or pain in opening the mouth wide

Physical impairments to brushing/flossing

If you have recently injured your hands, fingers, arms, shoulders, or suffer from any type of arthritis or physical disability, you may not be able to brush and floss as well as you should. There are ways to help Lebanon residents improve their dental health beyond brushing and flossing, but Dr. Cox needs to know so that we can provide you with the oral hygiene help you need.

Side-Effects and Dental Health

Did you know that more than 600 over-the-counter and prescription medications cause dry mouth, and many others can harm teeth in different ways? In fact, it is estimated that 40% of the population takes at least one medication that can harm their teeth.

So the next time you visit Advanced Dental and Dr. Cox asks how you are, be honest! Dental health and general health go hand in hand. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us today!

Sources

http://www.diabetes.org/

http://drc.hhs.gov/report/pdfs/section15-systematic.pdf

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Teeth_and_drug_use

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-side-effects-of-medications

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/05/000529093840.htm

The post Updating your Health History May Help Save Your Teeth appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Most of us were taught when we were kids that sweets like chocolate will rot your teeth. While this may remain true for some types of our favorite sweet snack, that doesn’t mean we have to take it off the menu all together. In fact, recent studies have found that dark chocolate, containing high percentages of cocoa, may actually be beneficial to your dental health. Dr. Cox at Advanced Dental wants Lebanon residents to know the facts so they can satisfy their sweet-tooth safely.

How does it work?

Dark chocolate is known to contain high levels of antioxidants, which work with our bodies to fight bacteria and disease. Dark chocolate can contain up to four times the amount of antioxidants found in green tea! High levels of antioxidants found in saliva have been proven to help fight periodontal, or gum disease, and slow tooth decay.

What about the sugar?

Yes, chocolate does contain sugar, which is bad for your teeth. However, that is why we are recommending dark chocolate, which has lower amounts of sugar, and higher levels of cocoa (at least 70%). The high levels of antibacterial compounds found in dark chocolate actually counteract the effects of the sugars, making it a safe option for a sweet-tooth. In fact, studies have found one of these compounds to be more effective in fighting cavities than fluoride!

So I can skip my nightly brushing if I have dark chocolate for dessert?

Absolutely…NOT! Even dark chocolate contains some sugar, and while some of its magical compounds help combat the effects of tooth decay, there is no substitute for regular brushing and flossing (at least twice per day) and regular checkups (every 6 months). Hopefully, however, we’ve helped rid Lebanon residents of their fear, guilt, and aversion when it comes to chocolate and oral health. Chocolate lovers rejoice!

For more questions concerning your oral health and the effects of your favorite foods or beverages, please give us a call at (417) 288-4259 or stop by Advanced Dental, Dr. Cox will be happy to talk with you.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2661448/Want-whiter-teeth-Munch-dark-chocolate-cheese-strawberries-says-leading-dentist.html

http://www.jeffersondentalclinics.com/blog.html/2014/07/07/is-chocolate-good-or-bad-for-your-teeth/

http://www.tworiverspedo.com/blog/chocolate-teeth/

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/dark-chocolate-good-for-teeth.htm

http://askthedentist.com/chocolate-good-for-teeth/

http://www.aobjournal.com/article/S0003-9969(00)00042-X/abstract?cc=y

The post Chocolate is Good for Oral Health – True or False? appeared first on Advanced Dental.

We love to talk about the fun and interesting sides of oral health, but today, there is something much more serious on our minds. We care about the health of everyone in Lebanon, and as dental care professionals, we feel it is our duty to educate you on how to be as safe and healthy as you can be. While you have probably heard of the human papilloma virus and oral cancer, most people don’t know that they are linked. Here is some information from Dr. Cox about the topic. If you have any questions, please feel free to give Advanced Dental a call.

What is HPV?

Human papilloma virus refers to a family of nearly 200 strains that infect the epithelial cells of skin and mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, throat, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis (through the urethral opening), and the anus. HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact (oral and genital) and it is one of the most common viruses in the country. According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 Americans will have an HPV infection at some point. However, 99% of HPV infections are cleared up by your immune system without any symptoms or any indication that you were ever infected.

HPV and Oral Cancer

While most of us know HPV as the sexually transmitted infection responsible for genital warts, that represents only a few strains of the virus (usually HPV6 and 11), which are low-risk. What most Lebanon folks don’t know is that HPV is also responsible for causing cervical cancer (HPV16 and 18) and oral cancer. In fact, HPV 16 is now considered the leading cause of oral cancer in America. Tobacco use and alcohol consumptions are also major risk factors, but they do not have as much of a proven causative effect on the development of oral cancer as human papilloma virus.

HPV and Dental Health

If you are worried about getting oral cancer, don’t fret! We at Advanced Dental have the expertise and the technology to identify any areas of concern, track problems, and make sure that diagnosis happens as early as possible. If you would like to come in for an oral cancer screening from Dr. Cox, give us a call today!

Sources

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-virus-information-about-human-papillomavirus

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/hpv/

http://www.cdc.gov/sTd/stats12/figures/47.htm

The post HPV and Oral Cancer: What you need to know appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Having a great smile is a privilege that everyone in Lebanon should enjoy. The confidence that comes from having genuine pride in your pearly whites is irreplaceable. However, many of us struggle with imperfections in our teeth. Broken, chipped, cracked, stained, and crooked teeth can really put a damper on your smile. At Advanced Dental, we know how much a healthy, happy smile means to Lebanon residents, so we’d like to talk about how Dr. Jerry Cox can help get you the smile you deserve with veneers.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin layers of composite, or dental porcelain that are placed over the surface of a tooth to correct cosmetic and functional issues. Invented in 1928 by Charles Pincus, veneers were originally intended to give movie stars perfect teeth for the silver screen. Back then, they were only temporary due to a lack of competent adhesive, but modern dental medicine has advanced to the point that veneers can last for up to 30 years, and are nearly identical to natural teeth in form and function.

What Can Veneers Fix?

Veneers are a good option for a number of different cosmetic and functional dental issues. Although veneers cannot replace lost teeth, they provide an excellent solution for many Lebanon residents. Here are the most common conditions that benefit from veneers:

• Broken teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Mildly crooked teeth
• Small gaps between teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Undesirably large or small teeth

How Do Veneers Work?

Before deciding if veneers are right for you, it is best to visit Advanced Dental for a consultation and discussion with Dr. Jerry Cox. If veneers can accomplish your cosmetic and functional goals, Dr. Jerry Cox will take a mold of the tooth/teeth to be fitted and send it to an expert technician in a dental laboratory, who will craft the perfect veneers to match your existing teeth. Once Dr. Jerry Cox has prepared your teeth for fitting, he will place your new veneers, taking your smile to the next level. Although veneers are stain-resistant, Dr. Jerry Cox may recommend avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.

Give us a call today to find out how veneers can give you the smile you’ve always wanted!

Sources

http://www.aacd.com/veneers

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneer_(dentistry)

The post Veneers Can Give You Back Your Smile! appeared first on Advanced Dental.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

There are a ton of specialized toothpastes, mouthwashes, and toothbrushes available to Lebanon residents suffering from sensitive teeth. It is a very common problem that lots of products claim they can solve, but have you ever wondered why it exists? Today, we at Advanced Dental would like to explain what causes tooth sensitivity and how these products work. Dr. Cox wants everyone in Lebanon to enjoy a pain-free mouth, so feel free to give us a call with any questions or to setup a consultation.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Do you find yourself ordering beverages without ice, drinking room temperature water, and waiting a long time for your coffee or tea to cool down? If you do, it’s probably because you have sensitive teeth. Enamel, which covers of the crown of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body; tooth roots have a similar substance called cementum. However, beneath those layers is a softer, more porous layer called dentin. When dentin is exposed, the nerves in your teeth become much more sensitive to hot and cold and sticky or acidic foods and beverages.

Common causes of sensitive teeth are:

• Tooth decay
• Degraded tooth fillings
• A cracked tooth
• Degraded tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth roots- which can be caused by brushing too hard, recession of the gum line, and gum disease

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Most Lebanon folks with sensitive teeth use Sensodyne^© or some other type of toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity. These products work by blocking sensation before it travels to the nerve. If toothpaste doesn’t help, Dr. Cox offers in-office fluoride and desensitizing treatments that will help you get relief from pain. In cases of severe sensitivity, Dr. Cox may recommend surgical gum graft or a root canal.

Whatever the cause of your sensitive teeth, we can help! Call Advanced Dental today to find out what we can do to keep your smile beautiful, healthy, and pain-free.

The post Stop Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Now! appeared first on Advanced Dental.