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Can You Chew Gum And Help Your Teeth At The Same Time?

April 4, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 3:10 pm

DO YOU LOVE CHEWING GUM?Do you like to chew gum because it helps keep your breath fresh? Do you chew gum to relieve stress? Is it just a long-standing habit? If you’re like many of us here at the Lake Oconee Dentistry, PC, gum is a “necessity” that some of us have a hard time going without! Dr. Patti Bradley says, “In fact, ever since Thomas Adams invented chewing gum back in 1870, it’s been one of the most common breath stabilizers around.”

So… How is all this gum chewing effecting our teeth?

Good news! Chewing gum can actually help fight cavities! In fact, Drs. Bradley and team actually recommend it! The act of chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is a natural buffering and cleaning agent that kills cavity producing acids. In addition, a recent study shows that for those who do not naturally produce a sufficient amount of salivary flow on their own, chewing a piece of gum for 10 minutes each waking hour for about two weeks can help remedy the problem.

Gum is also a great agent in fighting plaque.

Plaque is one of the main cavities and periodontal disease contributors. The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry conducted an 8-week study where volunteers chewed BreathAssure Dental gum for 20 minutes a day while a control group chewed a placebo gum for the same amount of time. All test subjects practiced proper brushing and flossing techniques. The results of the study showed that BreathAssure reduced the accumulation of dental plaque by 35%.

Some types of gum can also contain beneficial artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol, which has been found to inhibit bacterial growth and perhaps even reverse small lesions. However, in order to truly benefit from the Xylitol in gum you need to chew two pieces 3–5 times daily for at least five minutes at a time.

So what’s the catch?

Yes, you guessed it… There’s always a catch, right? Here it is. Brands of gum containing sugar can be harmful to your teeth if they’re chewed too often or taken out of your mouth too soon. If you prefer gum containing natural sugar rather than artificial sweeteners, chew it for at least 15–20 minutes so that your saliva can rinse away the sugar residue once you’ve chewed out all the sugar.

Of course, whether or not you decide to chew gum is your decision—however, if you DO chew it, Dr. David Bradley strongly recommends choosing a sugarless gum.

If you’re susceptible to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, or other face/jaw pain, the disadvantages of chewing gum may outweigh the benefits.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or connect with us on Facebook by clicking on the logo below:

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Happy chewing!

Drs. Bradley Talk About Gum Disease

March 26, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 4:13 pm

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ADVISED TO WATCH FOR SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE? Chances are, if you’ve ever visited a dentist, you’ve been checked—to some extent—for symptoms of this problem. Here at our practice, for many of our patients, a routine check typically reveals healthy, disease-free gums. We’re glad for that… But sometimes people with healthy gums forget that it’s still important to regularly look for early signs of a problem.

Dr. Patti Bradley suggests, “If you have early signs of gum disease, the best thing that can be done is to take care of it before it gets out of hand.” For many of you that may mean being well informed about gum disease, including symptoms to watch for.

As the video below outlines, gum disease can be divided into three stages, which can range from a simple amount of gum inflammation to major tissue damage and tooth loss. It’s been said before, but as a reminder, the sooner periodontal disease is caught the more we can do to successfully reverse the effects.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms as listed below, and outlined in the video, be sure to have any of our doctors take a look:

  • Gums bleed easily while flossing or brushing
  • Swollen, red or tender gums
  • Receding or separated gums that are exposing teeth
  • Changes in how your teeth fit together
  • Constant bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth

Of course, never having gum disease is the best scenario.

Because gum disease starts with bacteria in the plaque on your teeth, paying close attention to your oral hygiene is your greatest defense. This includes your daily care—thorough brushing and regular flossing, as well as your regular checkups. If plaque hardens to your teeth, only a dental cleaning can completely remove it and stop gum disease from starting.

We want to keep you informed and healthy with information on many aspects of your oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office. Click below:

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

It’s Extra Important To Take Care Of Your Teeth With Braces!

March 20, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 4:35 pm

DO YOU HAVE BRACES? Or does someone you love have braces? Underneath all that metal, your beautiful pearly whites are moving—and, inching you ever closer each day toward an absolutely fantastic smile!Dr. Patti Bradleyreminds us, “Wouldn’t it be a shame, if once those braces came off, you had a bunch of cavities under there!? That would be awful!”

So, don’t let that happen!

All the gadgetry in your mouth—from the springs and the wires to the rubber bands and spacers—can attract food AND plaque. Dr. David Bradley, here at Lake Oconee Dental, reminds each of us with braces, “It’s important to brush properly and to use floss and/or mouthwash per your orthodontist’s recommendations. When plaque is left behind on your teeth and around your braces it can cause your gums to swell, your teeth to become discolored, chronic bad breath and even (sometimes) cavities.”

Cleaning Your Braces The Right Way Is A Chore, But It’s Worth It

Millions and millions of people wear braces. If you’re one of them (or your child) be sure to take the time to pay attention to detail. While it requires spending a little more effort before bedtime… In the long run it WILL be worth it.

The purpose of today’s post isn’tto go over all the details of caring for teeth with braces. We just want to focus on cleaning them. Your orthodontist has likely already told you lots of do’s and don’ts. But here are a couple little reminders: There are foods you should probably just avoid including taffy, caramels, and hard nuts. And don’t chew ice or bubble gum. Be careful with things that are hard to bite like bagels and apples.

Take a minute to learn from this video created by the good folks at Howcast:

Please contact us if you have any additional questions, and if you haven’t yet had a chance to become a fan of our Facebook page, do it now by clicking on the image below:

We look forward to seeing you the next time you visit!

And The Winner Is… Susan Brosman!

February 28, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 1:37 am

OK… THIS WAS JUST GOOD OL’ FASHIONED FUN! As many of you know, we recently ran a little drawing in our practice for a brand new, shiny, cool Apple iPad! And we want to sincerely thank ALL of our friends who LIKED our page and entered the drawing.

We just took the “prize patrol” approach and showed up at Susan’s workplace to award her the big prize!

We want ALL of our valued patients to know how much we appreciate the trust you place in our practice. We’re honored to be your lifelong, oral health partners.

Take It Easy On The Sugary Drinks

February 2, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 7:59 pm

IT’S KNOWN BY MANY DIFFERENT NAMES—pop, soda, soft drinks, soda pop… But there’s no difference when it comes to its effect on your teeth.

Sugary sodas have not only added many pounds to the nation’s obese population, but the acidic sugar byproducts and acids soften your tooth enamel, contributing to more cavities. Dr. David Bradley adds, “Brushing gets even harder when your tooth enamel gets softer, creating an unwanted one/two punch.”What about sugar-free drinks? Well, they’re less harmful, but can still cause acidic damage. Unfortunately, they only account for 14% of the nation’s soda-consumption anyway.

Each year, the amount of soft drinks we consume in the United States increases dramatically—especially among teenagers and children. At least one in five children consumes a minimum of four servings of pop each day, and some teenages drink much, much more. In fact, the problem has become so bad that the American Academy of Pediatrics sounded an alarm about the dangers and suggested guidelines for helping children create good better habits.

So, What Can I Do?

  • Reduce the amount you drink. Seems obvious, right?
  • Drink more water. It will help take away your cravings for soda.
  • Use fluoride toothpastes and/or mouth rinses.
  • Find substitutes you enjoy that are more healthy.
  • When you DO drink soda pop, rinse your mouth with water when you finish.
  • Don’t forget to schedule regular dental checkups.

Here at Lake Oconee Dental, it is our goal to help you keep your beautiful smile for life. If you have questions about different beverages and their effect on your teeth, be sure to ask us. We love talking to you, our valued patients, about your oral health.

Don’t forget to join us on Facebookand Twitter for more discussions about your dental comfort, heatlh, and appearance. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Things To Consider About Baby Teeth

December 30, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 12:40 am

WE AREN’T SURE WHY IT’S HAPPENING, but we think videos like the one below are becoming far too common.Are people just obsessed with the viral video craze and want to be part of it? Should parents be subjecting their kids to these absurd tooth-yanking antics for publicity? Whatever the reason, we don’t think it’s safe or smart.

If you have children this age, and they’re loosing baby teeth, do you ever ask yourself if you should let them fall out naturally, let the child pull them, or just pull them yourself?

Drs. Bradley and Boswellhave a few simple tips for those loose baby teeth. Every child reacts differently, so take these tips as advice, and not any sort of strict guidelines. Also, if you have any specific concerns or questions about your child’s baby teeth, please don’t hesitate to ask us or come in for a visit.

  1. Most of today’s dentists will offer parents the following advice… don’t pull your children’s teeth out. You can encourage them to pull them out themselves by wiggling their tooth with their fingers or their tongue. This is primarily because only your child knows for sure how loose a tooth really is—and how attached it really is! They also know how much discomfort they’re able and willing to take.
  2. If your kid has waited long enough to pull it out, there shouldn’t be much bleeding—pack a small piece of wet gauze and hold pressure for a few minutes if there is.
  3. There are times, as a permanent tooth pushes the baby tooth out, the new tooth will push the baby tooth in an unusual direction forward that effects the gums. If that happens, and you have a questions about it,contact our office. It may be best to have us help pull the tooth. This is actually quite rare.
  4. Sometimes by waiting longer, the tooth may come out unexpectedly when your child is eating. Although not usual, the tooth can be swallowed. Don’t worry! It’s very unlikely that he or she will choke on it. The tooth fairy may be a little bit disappointed, but a swallowed tooth is not harmful.
  5. We have heard of some parents offering their child a fresh, crisp, delicious apple! If the tooth is loose enough, it will likely come out.

Once again, PLEASE don’t try to make videos like this one. It is not worth the risk of trauma to your children and additional harm you could cause.

Again we remind you to be sure to go to our Facebook site and “Like” it to keep up with our practice.

Thank you again for being our valued patients and friends. Happy New Year!

Some Simple Basics About Dental Implants

December 14, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 3:14 pm

FROM THE MOST COMMON THINGS, INCLUDING WEAR AND TEAR, TO TRAUMA OR DISEASE, many adults have experienced permanent tooth loss.Regardless of the level of loss, discomfort and/or lack of confidence are common side effects. Of course, permanent tooth loss is something Drs. Patti, David and Phil and their team always do their best to prevent. However, it isn’t always possible. The great news is that today there are beautiful and functional solutions.Implant dentistry is not something new, although from its original origins in the 50’s it has indeed come a long way. Initial discoveries came when scientists learned how bones can fuse with titanium, making natural bone support possible. Today, Lake Oconee Dentistry uses this original discovery to copy the root and tooth system that your mouth naturally has.

Implants are first placed within the gum line. Then, they are given about 3–6 months healing time to ensure that there is complete and proper fusion with the bone. After the implants have healed, the custom crown, bridge, or dentures can be placed. After this placement (unlike traditional dentures or bridges) the solution is much stronger and long lasting, giving you the confident smile you deserve.

As with most dental procedures, dental implants begin with a consultation with Dr. Patti Bradley, Dr. David Bradley, or Dr. Phil Boswell to help with any questions and allow them the chance to create a custom-tailored plan that best meets your needs.

Here is a simple video illustration of just how simply dental implants work:

To learn more about how implant dentistry corrects and enhances smiles, schedule an appointment to visit with us.

Be sure to take a minute to connect with us on Facebook by clicking on the logo below!

We Always Love Answering Your Questions

November 27, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , — @ 6:31 am

RECENTLY, A REPORTER FROM U.S. News & World Report did a short, simple story that we have embedded below. The story features the reporter asking seven question about her oral health to three different dentists.

These are the seven questions asked in the video:

  1. How do I avoid bad breath?
  2. What’s my role in keeping my gums healthy?
  3. Why is it so important to take good care of my gums?
  4. What is oral cancer, and how can I prevent it?
  5. Wisdom teeth… Take them out, or leave them in?
  6. Why should I visit my dentist every six months?
  7. How can I get that “drop-dead-gorgeous” smile?

Here at Lake Oconee Dental, we’re big on communication. We love visiting with you, our valued patients. Being your trusted resource for all of your oral health questions and needs is very important to us. We want you to feel comfortable at all times, and hope you can be comfortable asking us any question you may have.So, if you’ve been wondering about any of the topics listed above, or anything else, please ask. And as you know, we have many ways for you to communicate with us including our Facebook site. Be sure to become a “Like” on Facebook to keep up with everything going on in our practice.
And again, thanks for being our patient and friend.

Your 40-65 Year Old Smile Needs Love Too

November 20, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 8:04 pm

FOR PEOPLE BELONGING TO PAST GENERATIONS, chances were slim that somebody could keep their healthy, natural teeth over their entire lifetime. Fortunately, today’s remarkable technologies and advanced materials, coupled with our dentists’ artistic eye and extensive training, greatly increase the likelihood that you can keep, and enjoy, your smile for life!Sometimes, when we visit with our valued patients and friends, we recognize that making decisions about various treatments isn’t easy. We know there are a lot of choices and would like to help you better understand dental service decision making. So we’ve set up a simple little framework explained below. It’s our hope that this will help bring additional clarity to your decision making. Of course, the decisions are always YOURS to make, we just want to be sure you have good information.

For purposes of the last two, and next blog posts, we’ve divided “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into four phases:

  • Your 1–20 Year Old Smile
  • Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
  • Your 40–65 Year Old Smile
  • Your 65+ Year Old Smile

In addition to finding YOUR smile’s current phase, you probably have family members, loved ones, and friends who are in the other phases as well. We invite you to pass the information along!

Must do. Should do. Could do.

Each day—consciously and subconsciously—we prioritize decision making in all aspects of our lives by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.”Here at Lake Oconee Dental our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.”Of course, these lists aren’t exhaustive—and, there are no absolutely right or wrong answers to what you must, should, or could be doing about your oral health and appearance. Everyone has different priorities and different wants and needs. Think of these posts as a starting point! And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to let us know…We’d love to chat!_______________________________________________________

Today’s Post Is About Your 40–65 Year Old Smile

THE BEST PART OF LIFE IS HAPPENING! What a great time in history to be this age. And don’t forget, as science continues to prove, the crucial role proper dental care plays in your overall health and appearance. So eat right, exercise, enjoy yourself along the way, and flash that gorgeous smile more often!

Must do.

  • It’s estimated that up to 75% of adults over age 35 have some degree of gum disease. Make sure you work with your dentist to be certain it doesn’t happen to you.
  • 63% of “boomers” have an oral health problem considered to be an indication of a more serious problem but are unaware of the connection. Please don’t skip your regular check-ups, we want you to stay healthy in every way.

Should do.

  • Most of our patients still have silver mercury amalgam fillings, placed in the teen years. Not only are they unsightly and can damage tooth structure, but they may present other disadvantages as well. Working with your dentist, you can systematically replace them with greatly-improved, durable white composite fillings.
  • Half your life lies ahead. You remodeled your home after a few decades, now it’s time to remodel your smile. Drs. Bradley and Boswell provide “upgrades” that will allow you to keep your teeth healthy.

Could do.

  • Well beyond botox, breast implants, and viagra… Nothing makes you look and feel younger than a beautiful smile. It’s a fact. Today’s whitening treatments—often combined with one of many porcelain veneer options—can create a personal smile makeover that is truly your “fountain of youth.”

At Lake Oconee, our entire team wants to be your oral health partners for life!Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, if you haven’t already.

Watch for our next blog post to learn about the last phase in “The Lifetime of Your Smile”!

Take Care Of Your 20-40 Year Old Smile

November 12, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 5:51 am

IN GENERATIONS PAST, chances were slim that somebody could keep their healthy, natural teeth over their entire lifetime. Fortunately, today’s remarkable technologies, advanced materials, and Drs. Bradley and Boswell’s artistic eye and extensive training, greatly increase you’re ability to keep your smile for life!

While visiting with our valued patients and friends, we know that making decisions about various treatments isn’t easy. To help you better understand some of the basic dental health issues, we’ve set up a simple little framework. Of course, every decision is yours to make, we just want to help you be well informed. It’s our hope that this will help bring additional clarity to your decision making.

For purposes of the next several blog posts, we’ve divided “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into four phases:

  • Your 1–20 Year Old Smile
  • Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
  • Your 40–65 Year Old Smile
  • Your 65+ Year Old Smile

In addition to finding YOUR smile’s current phase, you probably have family members, loved ones, and friends who are in the other stages. We invite you to pass the information along!

Must do. Should do. Could do.

Each day—consciously and subconsciously—we prioritize decision making in all aspects of our lives by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.” Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.”Of course, this article isn’t going to list everything for your dental care—and, there are no absolutely right or wrong answers to what you must, should, or could be doing about your health and appearance. Everyone has different priorities and different wants and needs. Think of these posts as a place to start. And if you have questions, we’d love for you to contact us about them._______________________________________________________

Today’s Post Is About Your 20–40 Year Old Smile

IT MAY BE TEMPTING DURING THIS TIME IN LIFE to skip or procrastinate regular check ups because “nothing hurts.” The problem is, often what you don’t see causes the most trouble in the long run. For many, this stage also represents the most active in terms of significant, long-term social interaction and career advancement.

Must Do

  • Keep regular check ups for early signs of gum disease, cracks in teeth, infections, cavities and potential problems with fillings. Most of these things can be reversed when caught early.
  • Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer with the worst five-year survival rate of all major cancers. Finding and diagnosing at the early stages significantly increases survival rate.
  • Gum disease can raise a pregnant woman’s risk of developing a dangerous condition known as preeclampsia which can lead to eclampsia, or seizures late in pregnancy or after delivery. Eclampsia can cause organ damage and even death.
  • Wisdom teeth make their presence felt and can disrupt one’s bite causing long-term problems. Make sure to take care of your wisdom teeth as needed.

Should Do / Could Do

  • A healthy, gorgeous smile compliments your career and social life. Is there some little thing that would make you more confident when you smile? At Lake Oconee, we are ready to help.
  • Surveys show that 92% of North Americans agree an attractive smile is a crucial social asset. Does your social life suffer because you’re uncomfortable smiling?
  • It’s also been found that 74% believe an unattractive smile hurts a person’s chances of career success. During this time in life, when most people are absorbed in career development, have you considered the difference a confident smile could make?
  • Consider how the smile of your dreams could literally change your life—far more comfortably and affordably than ever before.

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell, and their entire team, want to be your oral health partners for life! Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, if you haven’t already.

Watch for our next blog post to learn about one of the other phases in “The Lifetime of Your Smile”!

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