Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

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We had several questions from patients last week about a new study that was published linking frequent dental X-rays, especially during childhood, to an increased risk of a common brain tumor called a meningioma. This type of brain tumor is usually benign.

The study was published in Cancer, the journal of the American Cancer Society.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has reviewed the study and notes that the research relies on individuals’ recollections of having dental X-rays taken years earlier — not dental records. Individual recall is often imperfect.

In addition, the study’s authors explain that some of the subjects received dental X-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was much greater because of old technology and slower speed film. The amount of radiation in dental X-rays has decreased significantly over the years.

At Enlighten Dental, we follow the ADA recommendations that dentists should order dental X-rays for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Dental X-rays are an important part of early detection and treatment of oral health problems, such as early-stage cavities, gum diseases, infections or some types of tumors. How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on the patient’s oral health condition, age, risk for disease and any signs and symptoms of oral disease that the patient might be experiencing.

Click here for ADA information about dental X-rays.

If you have any questions about dental X-rays or any other kind of dental diagnosis and treatment, talk to your Enlighten Dental professional. We’re ready to answer any questions you may have!

Sugar Bugs and How a Cavity Appears

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On March 16, the Enlighten Dental team traveled to Ashley Elementary School in Winston-Salem and talked to second and third graders about dental health, prevention and food choices. What a great experience and what a  fun time we had as team coming up with the answers to all the questions being peppered at us by the kids!

The top question? “How does a cavity happen?”

The kids knew a little bit about the “sugar bugs” and how they can make a hole in your teeth. But really, how many adults know how exactly a cavity occurs? Here are the details:

  1. Foods that contain carbohydrates — starches and sugars — are the culprits when it comes to cavities. These include soft drinks, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes and even fruits, vegetables and juices.
  2. You have natural bacteria in your mouth, which forms plaque — sticky, colorless deposits of bacteria that constantly form on the hard, outside covering of your teeth, which is called enamel.
  3. When the mouth is exposed to frequent carbohydrates, the plaque interacts with these sugary and starch deposits and produces acids.
  4. The acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving or demineralizing the mineral structure of the teeth. This produces cavities and weakening of the teeth.

The important thing to remember is a cavity does not form overnight, and you can control many of the conditions that lead to getting a cavity, mainly:

  1. The amount of sugar and starches that are present for the bacteria in your mouth. (Cut out the frequent snacking!)
  2. The amount of time the bacteria have with those sugars and starches. (Brush after every meal with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily!)

And, of course, see your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Finding cavities early and treating them will prevent them from becoming an even bigger problem, such as infections of the root canal or loss of the tooth.

Sedation Dentistry in Winston-Salem

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Do you put off going to your Winston-Salem dentist because of anxiety or a deep-seated fear? Dental anxiety and dental phobia are common problems that affect many people who would otherwise like to take care of their teeth. In fact, it is estimated that 9 percent to 15 percent of Americans avoid the dental treatment they need because of this kind of apprehension.  This is unnecessary, and help is available.  Dental treatment can be provided with conscious sedation, a safe and effective modality available through dentists with training in this area.

There are three different kinds of conscious sedation that can be performed in the outpatient dental office:

  1. Oral sedation. The patient typically takes an oral medication the night before the dental appointment and again an hour before the procedure.  Because it is not possible to regulate the level of sedation very precisely, our goal is to obtain mild sedation which can induce comfort and relaxation.  As with all types of conscious sedation, you are always awake (conscious) and breathing on your own.  You should not drive after having oral sedation.
  2. Nitrous Oxide Sedation. This is a type of conscious, inhalation sedation which will induce a state of relaxation in most patients.  The gas you breathe is mostly oxygen, but the combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas can produce very good anxiety control.  This type of sedation requires breathing through a nose mask.  The effect of nitrous oxide begins rapidly, and it goes away quickly at the end of the appointment.  Patients can drive after nitrous oxide sedation unless oral sedative medications are also used.
  3. Intravenous (IV) Sedation. With IV conscious sedation, the medications are administered through an IV into the bloodstream, and the effects are immediate. IV sedation is effective at easing the anxiety of even the most fearful patient, and it is ideal when there is a lot of work to be done at one time. With this type of sedation, the level or amount of sedation can be gradually increased and is readily controlled by the dentist.  The safety record is excellent. An added benefit with IV sedation is that it reduces the recall or memory of most of the procedure.  Patients must have a responsible adult to drive them home after the procedure, and you cannot drive or work the rest of that day.

Enlighten Dental is one of the few general dental offices in Winston-Salem that offers IV conscious sedation for adults. Dentists who administer IV sedation must have special training beyond dental school and be certified by the state.  Dr. Lee Salisbury worked in a hospital setting for 18 years and has over 30 years of experience with all types of conscious sedation.

Is sedation dentistry right for you?  If you continuously postpone, delay or completely avoid dental treatment because you’re afraid, contact Enlighten Dental to discuss whether sedation dentistry can help you accomplish your goal of healthy teeth and gums!

 

 

 

Enlighten Dental Is Giving Away a Zoom!® Whitening Treatment through Triad Moms on Main

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Could you use a whiter smile this spring? Next week on Triad Moms on Main, we will be giving away away an in-office ZOOM!® teeth whitening session! Plus, you’ll get take home trays for home use afterwards and touch-ups as needed!

What is ZOOM!® Whitening? It’s whiter teeth, in less than two hours! It’s that simple! Years of yellowing are erased in the time it takes to get a haircut, manicure or have lunch with a friend.  In clinical studies, ZOOM!® has been able to whiten teeth 9+ shades by the end of your appointment. Results can vary, but, in most cases, the results are dramatic.

Enlighten Dental offers a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, advanced imaging technologies, IV and oral sedation, dental bonding, dental bleaching, whitening, veneers, bridges, crowns, dentures, fillings, TMJ therapy, treatment of gum disease and dental emergency care.

Moms: Take Care of YOUR Teeth, Too

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We recently ran this blog on Triad Moms on Main. 

If you are anything like my wife, you are probably diligent about getting your children to the dentist twice a year, reminding them to brush and floss, and helping them to avoid the dental dangers of soda and sticky sweets.

But are you following your own advice? (And on that note, when was the last time your husband saw the dentist?)

The fact is: Moms (and Dads) are busy people and sometimes neglect to take care of their own teeth. Maybe you’ve missed a dental appointment for your child’s class party and forgotten to reschedule. Maybe you’re hesitant to go, fearing that an expensive — or unnecessary — treatment will be recommended. Or maybe, you just don’t like having your gums prodded and poked. Whatever the reason, your dental health is more important than you might think.

Poor oral health is linked to a diseases and conditions such as heart disease, premature and low birth weight babies, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer’s disease. The fact is: You don’t need a lot of gimmicks to take care of the teeth you have: a toothbrush, some floss and a plan to  not overindulge in certain types of foods or drinks will keep your smile going strong.

Enlighten Dental Care BrushingA bit about brushing …

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and after each meal if possible.
  • Use an appropriate sized adult toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles and round ends — not medium or hard bristles. Other than that, it doesn’t matter if your toothbrush is electric or manual — the electric are just more fun! And apply the appropriate amount of force to clean the teeth because too much force can actually damage your teeth.
  • Brush longer. You are probably brushing for less than a minute. On average, most adults brush for 42 seconds. Try a stopwatch to keep you brushing for the right amount of time — two to three minutes.
  • Change your toothbrush every three to four months — before the bristles become splayed or frayed.
  • Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and rub back and forth gently in a circular motion on the outside of teeth, the inside of teeth, the chewing surfaces between teeth and the tongue.
  • As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, it does not matter what brand you use. The fluoride makes the tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization.

Flossing — would it surprise you to know that only 12 percent of Americans floss daily, according to the American Dental Association? Probably not, because chances are you’re in the other 88 percent. But really, flossing is your single most important weapon against plaque, so don’t neglect it!

  • Waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored — it doesn’t really matter what type of floss you use.
  • Floss at least once a day for two to three minutes.
  • Water picks are often recommended for people with gum disease, but they should not be used as a substitute for flossing.

Therapeutic mouth rinses may be beneficial, particularly if you have early gum disease.

  • Listerine is a mouth rinse that is approved by the American Dental Association and has been clinically proven to fight the bacteria that cause cavities.
  • Take the proper amount of liquid as specified on the container into your mouth. With lips closed and teeth slightly apart, swish the liquid around with as much force as possible using the tongue for about 30 seconds. Then rinse the liquid from your mouth thoroughly.

Watch what you eat. Not-so-friendly foods for teeth include:

  • Carbonated sodas that contain sugar are bad for teeth, and the diet sodas are, too! All carbonated soft drinks contain tooth-eroding acids, such as phosphoric and citric.
  • Sticky sweets, such as caramels, cling to tooth surfaces and crevices. Long-lasting sweets, such as lollipops, keep sugar in the mouth too long.
  • Dried fruits, such as raisins, have highly concentrated sugar and non-soluble cellulose fiber, which can bind and trap sugars on and around the tooth.
  • Starchy foods — breads, potatoes, chips — can become wedged in teeth and start converting to sugars immediately.
  • Citrus fruits — lemons, oranges, grapefruits — contain citric acid. Eat them quickly and rinse the mouth out with water afterward.

In addition to taking care of your teeth at home, regular check-ups and professional cleanings are an important part of protecting your oral health. At Enlighten Dental Care, we provide answers to your dental questions, so you can make the best choices for you.

Questions about this story or a dental problem you’re having? Submit them here, and the team at Enlighten Dental will be happy to answer!

About Enlighten Dental Care

Enlighten Dental Care is a relationship-based practice started by Dr. Lee Salisbury and Dr. Dan Driscoll located  at 1551 Westbrook Plaza Drive, Suite 203, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Call  (336) 765-0904 or visit Enlighten Dental at www.enlightendentalcare.com or on Facebook.