The following reasons explain why people should reconsider whitening their teeth:

1. My teeth are too sensitive.
2. It’s too expensive.
3. My teeth are not “that” bad.
4. I don’t have the time to fuss with it.
5. I can’t go through the impression procedure to make the trays.

The reasons why people should reconsider why they should whiten their teeth?

1. The whitening gel contains potassium nitrate which helps decrease sensitivity associated with bleaching. (The ingredient sensitive toothpaste uses.)
2. There are 3 different methods to try each with a reasonable fee. Venus White is almost half the fee from previous whitening systems.
3. Everyone benefits from a brighter smile whether you work with the public or not. A bright smile gives a healthy and “younger” looking appearance. Most people will not even notice your whiter teeth. They will tell you “how rested you look” or “how healthy you look”.
4. The new Venus White system has options starting with 30-45 minutes up to the traditional overnight system. The new in office procedure does not use a “light enhancement” (which has questionable results per the current research) and only takes 1- 1 ½ hours of your time (with a significant fee reduction compared to our previous system).
5. No need for impressions with the Venus White ULTRA.  This system includes prefilled trays with a 7 day treatment. For $55 you can have results in one week.

                        Here at Anderson Family Dentistry we are very excited to be offering this new whitening system with expected great results. Affordable, easy, and with minimal sensitivity. The company supplying the Venus White Teeth Whitening System also donates a percentage of every sale of Venus White to support breast cancer research.

Log onto www.MyVenusSmile.com for more information on each of the bleaching systems or feel free to call or email our office.

Enjoy a brighter smile this spring!

Now we know most of you are very faithful in keeping up with your oral home care and coming in to see us every 4 or 6 months. We love getting to know you, your families, your likes and dislikes. We become, or at least strive to become, very comfortable in our Dentist/Hygienist/Patient relationship. So you wonder…why on earth do I have to update my health history all the time when we know each other so well?

First misconception; you don’t update your health history every time you come into our office . If it has been a year or more since your last visit or it has been 1 year since you last filled out the form with your health history and insurance information, we ask you to update your records. Dental professionals are compelled by law to produce and maintain adequate patient records. The Virginia Department of Health Professionals also mandates this policy.

Second; we do need to know about medication changes, recent surgeries, new knees or hips, and major illness. Some medications require a change in the type of anesthesia given. Dr. Anderson also does not want over the counter medication to react negatively with a medication he may need to prescribe for you. The daily use of a small 81mg of aspirin can cause bleeding during your treatment with the hygienist. We want to make sure that is the reason, not gingivitis and active periodontal disease.

We do need to know about your medications because many will affect your oral health and encourage cavites. Our goal is to keep you healthy. If we know the reason for changes in your mouth we can individualize your dental care.

Some surgeries require a waiting period of 6-8 weeks before you can have dental care of any kind. Joint replacements require an antibiotic 1 hour prior to your dental care in our office. Some people need special home care instructions for this same health change if they have severe gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Bringing a list of your current medications is a great way to minimize the paperwork for both of us. In fact, you should keep in your wallet or purse a current list (with a date) of your medications, vitamins and aspirin use (including what dosage you take (ie: 81mg, 325mg.). If you were in an accident and couldn’t tell the responders what you take they have no basis to begin proper treatment to help you.

Thirdly, we do not get information from your insurance company about individual changes, nor are we informed you no longer have your primary dental coverage and now will only use your secondary coverage. We are more than happy to verify your insurance and submit it for you.

One last misconception: believe it or not, when you dropped your phone land line and decided to use your cell phone only we didn’t get the message from the phone company and are unable to reach you to confirm your appointments.

OK. Enough excuses from us. But here is the good news. We are working on a new Health History update that should be less painful for all of you, minimal information to update, less paper in the landfills. So the next time Kristen or Peggy greets you with a warm welcome and hands you the new shorter heath history form we hope you will be less inclined to growl at them.

Once again, Happy New Year, Happy Oral Health, Be happy filling out your updated Health History form.

MAXIMIZE YOUR 2012 DENTAL BENEFITS

                                 Yes, it is that time!  Be aware of your remaining dental benefits for 2012 and take advantage of using them now!  WHY…..

YEARLY MAXIMUM

DEDUCTIBLE

PREMIUMS

FEE INCREASES

DENTAL PROBLEMS CAN BECOME WORSE

Our economy is changing.  Benefits are being reduced and employee

out of pocket costs are increasing…

Ask Anderson Family Dentistry to assess the status of your current dental benefits.

Inquire about available payment options.

We are here to help you obtain optimal dental health!!

 For those of you who prefer not to use a fluoride toothpaste you do have options. There are several brands on the market that are fluoride free. You can find several of the toothpastes from the following list at Walmart (is there anything they don’t carry?):

Tom’s ofMaine

The Natural Dentist

Spry Toothpaste

Xliwhite

Jason Powersmile

Therabreath

            Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of what is in our toothpaste! We hope the following article answers some or all of your questions. Feel free to ask us any other questions you may have the next time you are in our office for a visit. Click on the link below for the full article.

                             Until next month…………..Happy Flossing! 

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/weighing-your-toothpaste-options

Toothpaste Basics

Toothpaste is available in paste, gel, or powder form. Despite the many types of toothpaste that exist, there are some ingredients common to most varieties. These include:

• Abrasive agents. Scratchy materials, including calcium carbonate and silicates, help remove food, bacteria, and some stains from your teeth.
• Flavoring. Artificial sweeteners, including saccharin, are often added to toothpaste to make them taste better. While many people equate the flavor of toothpaste with mint, toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors, including cinnamon, lemon-lime, and even bubblegum (for kids — or kids at heart).
• Humectants for moisture retention. Paste and gel formulations often contain substances like glycerol to prevent the toothpaste from drying out.
• Thickeners. Agents that add thickness to the toothpaste, including gums and gooey molecules found in some seaweeds, help achieve and maintain proper toothpaste texture.
• Detergents. Those suds you see when you brush your teeth are from detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate.

Fluoride Toothpaste

The most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Its use has been instrumental in the dramatic drop in tooth decay and cavity occurrence that has taken place over the past 50 years. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches that remain on your teeth after eating. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from the acid that is released when this happens. It does this in two ways. First, fluoride makes your tooth enamel stronger and less likely to suffer acid damage. Second, it can reverse the early stages of acid damage by remineralizing areas that have started to decay.

Using fluoride toothpaste is an important way to ensure that your teeth are reaping the benefits of this dental-friendly mineral. Don’t think you can skip fluoride if you live in an area where the water is fluoridated. Studies have shown that using fluoride toothpaste helps increase the concentration of fluoride in the teeth, even in areas with water supplies containing high levels of the mineral.

Tartar Control Toothpaste

There are a variety of ingredients used in toothpaste to help prevent the accumulation of tartar on the teeth. Chemical compounds, including pyrophosphates and zinc citrate, are often added and have been proven effective. Additionally, some tartar control toothpastes contain an antibiotic called triclosan, which kills some of the bacteria in the mouth.

Certain toothpastes containing multiple anti-plaque agents have been demonstrated to be even more effective at tartar control than varieties with only one plaque fighter

Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth

These toothpastes usually contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These chemical compounds, which can take up to four weeks to offer relief, reduce tooth sensitivity by blocking pathways through the teeth that attach to nerves.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes do not typically contain bleaches. Instead, they contain abrasive particles or chemicals that effectively polish the teeth or bind to stains and help pull them off the tooth surface.

**Note from our office: most whitening toothpastes contain a concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Although you might be concerned that the abrasiveness of whitening toothpaste could damage your teeth, studies suggest that whitening toothpastes are no harder on tooth enamel than other types of toothpaste.

Tips for Choosing a Toothpaste

Here are some tips to help you choose the best toothpaste to meet your family’s dental needs:

• Opt for ADA approval. Whatever your toothpaste needs, be sure to select toothpaste that has earned an American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Toothpastes that have earned this distinction have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent review board of scientific experts. All toothpastes earning the ADA seal contain fluoride — the most important ingredient in any toothpaste.
• Be wary of imposters. In 2007, some toothpastes imported from China were found to contain a toxic substance, diethylene glycol. The FDA is currently advising against choosing toothpaste that says it was made in China.
• Consider your needs and the needs of your family members. As long as you select a fluoride-containing toothpaste, the best toothpaste is a matter of personal choice and preference. If you’re committed to an all-natural lifestyle, you may want to opt for ADA-approved toothpastes that contain only natural ingredients. For people trying to instill good oral hygiene habits in your children, why not choose fruit-flavored toothpastes with sparkles to entice them to brush their teeth? Some people are eager to restore whiteness to their teeth with whitening toothpastes. Others like the feeling of brushing their teeth with toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.

With so many different options and combinations available, you can experiment with different brands, varieties, and flavors to find the best toothpaste for you.

]]> http://www.dentistinmidlothianva.com/2012/08/07/what-is-all-that-stuff-in-my-toothpaste/feed/ 0 http://www.dentistinmidlothianva.com/2012/06/14/summertime-and-sweet-tea/ http://www.dentistinmidlothianva.com/2012/06/14/summertime-and-sweet-tea/#comments Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:45:30 +0000 dranderson http://www.dentistinmidlothianva.com/?p=157
Summertime, lazy days sipping something deliciously sweet!! Hurray!!!

Well, I hate to spoil your fun, but this kind of summer will deliver you, in the fall, to Dr. Anderson’s dental chair to take care of a few cavities! Hydration is critical during these hot summer days. So school’s out, pools are open, the beach is calling your name, what’s a thirsty person to do?

Let me back up here a little and give you a short background on those sweet drinks we so love to sip on a hot day. The average American drinks 50 gallons of soda and other sweetened beverages each year. This is the equivalent of 34lbs of sugar! For example; a regular 20 oz cola has 68 grams of sugar equaling 17 teaspoons of table sugar. For every 4 grams of sugar on the label of your soda, tea, or lemonade you are consuming 1 teaspoon of sugar. That may not sound like a lot at first, but try this little experiment on your own or with your kids this summer:

1. Find a favorite summer drink.
2. Look at the label and find the grams of sugar per serving. (Note: your drink may be intended for more than one serving!)
3. Now multiply this amount by 4. Measure this number using table sugar. (ie: 20 grams of sugar on label , measure 5 teaspoons of table sugar in a glass or on the table.)

1. Take a realistic look at the amount of sugar you are consuming with your beverage of choice.

Here are a few tips from theADAto reduce your risk of tooth decay and still drink that amazing bottle of sugar:

1. Drink with a meal. (Saliva increases during meals and helps neutralize acid (see our April blog for details on acid content).

1. Limit sugary drinks between meals. This includes sports drinks, juice, and milk shakes.

1. Chew sugarless gum that has the ADA Seal.  “Chewing gum for 20 minutes after meals has been shown to reduce tooth decay.”

1. Drink water. (Yes boring water.)

Since the average adult needs 9 – 13 cups of fluids every day, let’s get back to the question of “what is a thirsty person to do?”. If water is just not your cup of tea (or soda), try brewing one of the wonderful flavors of herbal tea found on the grocery store shelves. Make ice tea out of it or ice cubes to flavor your water. Drink sensibly. A straw helps, but following the steps from the ADAis extremely important.  Soda does not quench your thirst or rehydrate the body. They are addictive and can increase your thirst. Water is the only thing your body is craving in the heat! Diet soda’s are not always the answer either. They are not a healthy drink alternative and artificial sweeteners have yet to be proven 100% safe. Moderation here is very important!

I have listed a few resources below that will give you further details. “Sugar Shockers!” has several wonderful charts with total calories, grams of sugar and teaspoons of sugar. I found this information very useful while researching for this blog.

     Until next month…………..Happy Flossing! 

www.ada.org

“Snack and Sip All Day? Risk Decay! (brochure you can pick up in our office)

www.obesityjournal.org   “Sugar Content of Popular Sweetened Beverages Based on Objective laboratory Analysis: Focus on Fructose Content. [table 2; page 4]

www.cachampionsforchange.net  “Re-think your Drink “Be Sugar Savvy” Activities

After trying the Sonicare® Air Flosser, personally, I am not “in love” with it. It does work well under my bridge but I find after using the Air Flosser and then follow with traditional floss, I still find debris (this is the best description I can give without giving you a disgusting word picture, sorry :> ). I still think it is a great tool for those of you who hate to floss or can’t floss due to arthritis or other handicaps. The results of this study did report a “significant” reduction in plaque and gingivitis with the Sonicare® Air Flosser; just not as significant as the Water Pik® Water Flosser. I have a few issues with the study itself. A good research study includes a large number of subjects over a long period of time. This study (“Comparison of Two Power Interdental Cleaning Devices on the Reduction of Gingivitis” Sharma, BDS, DDS et al. ) included only 82 subjects over a period of 28 days. It was also supported by a research grant from Water Pik, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado. Here is a summary of their findings:

Gingivitis reduction: Water Flosser: 41.2%;    Air Flosser: 22.8%

(Whole Mouth)

Plaque Reduction:    Water Flosser: 50.9%;    Air Flosser: 30.0%

(Whole Mouth)

   (Between teeth/       Water Flosser: 76.7% ;    Air Flosser: 48.0%

    Approximal)

Unbiased? Perhaps. Does this type of comparison study require more? Let’s see how the people at Phillips Sonicare® respond and react to these results. The bottom line? Both Water Flosser and Air Flosser make a huge difference in your overall oral health. The Air Flosser is easier to use and less messy. The Water Flosser is less expensive. I have included the links to the study just incase you would like to read the results for yourself.  

                             Until next month…………..Happy Flossing!  

http://professional.waterpik.com/clinical-research/

http://professional.waterpik.com/water-flosser-airfloss-gingivitis-treatment-dental-plaque/

http://professional.waterpik.com/water-flosser-airfloss-dental-plaque-removal/

http://professional.waterpik.com/airflosser1c.html

•  The addictive properties of caffeine
• Advertising works on us, even if we don’t think it does
• The daily ritual of drinking soda, that pop, or fizz that happens when you first open a can or bottle

Click on the link below and find a drink you can enjoy this summer. Try sipping with a lower acidic drink to quench your thirst and keep you out of Dr. Anderson’s dental chair!

http://quittingsoda.com/post/the-acidity-ph-of-soda-pop

Here is a summary of a great article from “The Maryland Children’s Oral Health Institute”. It provides some very practical tips to keep you healthy during cold and flu season (did this season ever end from last year?). We hope you can find a few ideas you can use! There are 15 suggestions. For those of us with a bit of OCD (me included), don’t panic.

Remember: these are suggestions !!!!!

Your hands are the main vehicles of transmission for the influenza virus. It is for this reason that the main recommendation to prevent [colds and the flu] is to wash your hands frequently.

The bacteria that cause E. coli, salmonella and gastrointestinal problems are found on the hands. You can remove many of these bacteria by washing your hands and scrubbing your fingernails. After all, you wash your hands before you put food utensils in your mouth to eat. Thus, it makes perfect sense to wash your hands before you put your toothbrush into your mouth.

1. Washing your hands after you brush is important as well. This hygiene practice will help reduce the spread of microorganisms as a result of the contact your hands make with your face, lips and mouth.

Washing your hands after you brush will reduce what you “hand over” to others. People are vulnerable to the germs that end up on their hands and under their fingernail beds. Good hand hygiene can make the difference between staying healthy and getting sick.

2. Wash your toothbrush before and after every use. Hold the brush under running warm water. The warm water will soften the bristles and help to release food particles and excess toothpaste. Rub your thumb over the bristles with force while now allowing cold water to wash away any remaining debris and toothpaste. The cold water will cause the toothbrush bristles to regain firmness and may limit the reproduction of flu-causing germs.

3.Disinfect your toothbrush by allowing it to soak in an antibacterial mouthwash. Stir it with the bristled end of your toothbrush for 30 seconds. Mouthwash containing alcohol will kill off most of the bacteria. You can also mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 cup of water and soak your toothbrush

in the solution if you don’t have mouthwash.

4. Another option is to store your toothbrush in a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) topical solution that is changed daily. Using enough of the solution to cover the bristles can keep your toothbrush disinfected. A quick way is to mix 1 teaspoon of peroxide in 1 cup of water and swish your toothbrush in it prior to use.

5. Soaking your toothbrush in vinegar once a week overnight can also help kill germs. White vinegar is preferable; brown vinegar might stain the bristles.

6. Using a tablet of denture cleanser like Polident® is another quick way to sanitize your toothbrush. This antibacterial cleaning system has detergents and enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food proteins. The effervescent or foaming action (Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid) provides a

mechanical cleaning action to loosen particles trapped between the bristles. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the denture cleaner from your toothbrush bristles and handle. **I personally find this a very effective way to keep the brush sanitized and free of residual toothpaste.**

7.  Deep clean your toothbrush by securing it in the top rack or in the silverware rack of the dishwasher. Avoid putting the toothbrushes in the lower rack as the handles could melt. The same applies to

tongue scrapers. It is also a good idea to routinely decontaminate your dental water jet reservoir and the tips (i.e., Waterpik) in the dishwasher. Just don’t use the dishwasher setting for the pots and pans

wash cycle as it may prove to be too hot.

8.  Avoid side-by-side storage of toothbrushes. Toothbrushes should be kept inches apart. Every family member should have a clearly identifiable, color-coded brush to avoid cross contamination. Store your toothbrush upright to expose bristles to the air. The Colgate® GRIP EMS® and the Crayola

G.U.M. toothbrushes stand upright independently. The design of the bases allows these toothbrushes to be positioned away from other brushes helping to reduce the chances of intimate contact.

9.  Keep your toothbrush as far away from your toilet as possible to cut down on airborne bacteria from waste. Every time you flush you propel the germs from your toilet into the air where they can land on your toothbrush. These fine droplets of toilet water can hover in the air for as long as two hours, eventually settling on all surfaces throughout the bathroom. Always flush the toilet with the top lid closed.

10.  Replace your toothbrush at the first sign of bent bristles. Worn toothbrushes have bristles with broken, frayed and sometimes sharp edges. These brushes are less effective in removing plaque and can damage the gums, even causing bleeding. Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every season, every quarter or every three to four months – however you wish to remember.

11.  Air-dry your toothbrush by shaking the excess water from the bristles. Running your thumb or finger across the bristles will also help to remove the water.

12. Clean toothbrush covers with soap and water. Covers should be placed over the bristles of a dry toothbrush when possible. Plastic covers that fit over bristles keep them free of airborne or hand-held contamination.

13.Frequently clean the toothbrush holder with soap and water. Wall mounted toothbrush holders, as well as cups, cans and stands should be wiped down using disposable wipes to remove germs. Establish a routine of wiping down the countertop in front of and around the sink where you just

brushed; this tidy routine will remove toothpaste-filled saliva droplets. By no means should icky globs of toothpaste remain in the sink after brushing.

14. Purchasing toothpaste in a pump dispenser can help to eliminate the inclusion of every household member’s germs becoming one more ingredient in the family tube. Almost everyone makes direct contact with their toothbrush when they squirt toothpaste onto it. Hold your brush away from the tip of the pump. This can help to reduce the chances that contact will be made between the toothpaste and the toothbrush. Aquafresh toothpaste by GlaxoSmithKline comes in a pump dispenser (although is very abrasive).

15.  Throw your toothbrush away or the toothbrush of anyone in your home who gets a contagious sickness such as a cold, flu or strep throat. Any toothbrushes that come into contact with the contaminated toothbrush should also be thrown away. Brushes should also be changed at the onset of

an illness and again after you feel completely better. Erin R. Drew, MD, FAAP, a Board Certified Pediatrician says she routinely advised the parents of her patients to “replace their toothbrushes after you are no longer contagious, but before finishing the antibiotics.” She explained that “bacteria can live in the toothbrush and re-infect you when the antibiotics are done.” Dr. Drew was a practicing physician prior to joining a pharmaceutical company as a medical scientist. Existing scientific research clearly shows that infectious agents like the influenza viruses can thrive for significant periods on a toothbrush.

Here’s to a healthier, cold/flu season!

Why ???

Start the year with a trip to the dentist for major treatment (crowns, bridges, implants), Invisalign, restorative services (composite (tooth colored) fillings, endodontic services (Root Canals) and/or periodontal services.

Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) are provided by your employer but funded with pretax dollars. Employees elect an amount for a whole year then fund their FSA through equal payroll contributions throughout the year. 

Bonus! You may start spending the whole amount at the beginning of the year (for eligible expenses)…it is better than a low interest loan more like a no-interest loan…and there is a chance you may not have to “pay it back.”

If your position is terminated or you leave your job before year end, in general, your employer is on the hook, not you (that is the way the government set up the rules…). FYI….

Wisdom teeth or third molars are typically the last teeth to develop and often become an issue in the late teen years.  The issue can surface in the form of painful or tender gums behind the second molars, a bad taste or foul odor emanating from the same area, or food routinely getting trapped under the gums behind the back teeth.  These symptoms could be a result of a number of causes but often are related to wisdom teeth that are making their way into the mouth.

Without adequate room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt, a patient could experience infection, gum disease, crowding of the other teeth, and possible damage to neighboring teeth.  If a patient has any of these problems an evaluation of the area would be recommended to determine the need to remove the wisdom teeth.  Even if there are no symptoms in the late teen years, an evaluation would still be wise to prevent problems as the patient matures.  It becomes much more difficult to remove wisdom teeth later in life and the risks associated with the surgery increase.

Some may wonder if there is a need to have the wisdom teeth out if there is adequate space in the mouth.  Evaluating the space is best done in conjunction with a dentist.  Ample room in the mouth does not guarantee problem-free wisdom teeth.   Neglecting proper brushing techniques and flossing can lead to the teeth becoming compromised.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will allow the patient and the dentist to address the question of what to do about wisdom teeth.