Why Everyone Needs Fluoride

Fluoride makes my teeth happy and healthy :)

Fluoride is the most important reason why there has been a decrease in dental cavities. Fluoride works by stopping or even reversing the tooth decay process. During tooth decay, bacteria are present because of sugars or carbohydrates which transforms into an acid.  During the demineralization process, a biofilm called “plaque” creates acid in the mouth which causes calcium to be removed from the tooth.  Fluoride has the ability to re-mineralize a tooth if it’s caught early enough because decay does not start off as a cavity but only has a white lesion. Fluoride is most ideal for patients with high caries risk, patients who have crown and bridge work and orthodontic decalcification.

However, there are many debates and concerns with using fluoride. Many people think that fluoride doesn’t belong in drinking water, but it actually occurs naturally in water and it’s rarely at the level needed to protect your teeth. Fluoride is not a medication but more so a mineral and when it’s presented at the right level, fluoride works to prevent tooth decay and contributes to healthy bones. Also, fluoride is not unsafe for small children; in fact, it is highly recommended and plays a critical part to promote strengthening of the teeth. Fluoride toothpaste is only not recommended for children under 2 because they swallow the most when brushing their teeth.

Fluoride gel or toothpaste at higher concentrations can only be purchased with a prescription or from a licensed dentist. Our Marietta Dentists, Kirk Kimmerling DDS, Suzanna Aguilera DMD, and Garrick McGrath DMD invite you to our office to learn more about the importance of fluoride toothpastes, please contact our office at 770-423-4900.

Great Aid for Those Wearing Braces

Braces are a substantial investment, so the last thing people want after wearing braces is for their teeth to be covered with white spots. These spots are the beginning of dental decay caused by bacteria.

There's help in avoiding white spots, the beginning of decay  during braces.

A Swedish study from Malmo University suggested that a high fluoride toothpaste may help those wearing braces not to develop the spots.  Since 85 percent of people wearing braces develop these lesions, a high fluoride toothpaste was studied.  

Five dental practices with over 400 people participated.  Half  were given a 4 times the amount of fluoride in a toothpaste, while the others used a regular fluoride toothpaste.  After the 20 months, it was determined that the high fluoride is effective in stopping one third of white lesions in age group 11 to 16.  Forty five percent with regular toothpaste showed signs of white spots while 34.6 that used the high fluoride showed the spots.

Verde Pointe Dental Associates offers prescription strength high fluoridated toothpastes at the dental office.  Marietta dentists can determine if a high fluoride toothpaste is right for you. Whether you have braces or are cavity prone,  Kirk Kimmeling DDS, Suzanna Aguilera DMD and Garrick McGrath can offer advice on your specific situation. Teeth need to last a lifetime, so high fluoride may be right for you.  

You Love Soda but Your Teeth Hate It

More people than ever are facing enamel erosion of their teeth, and what they're drinking is the

Sensitive Teeth Can be Excruciating

culprit.  Enamel, the outer, protective layer of the tooth can erode away leaving exposed more sensitive portions of the tooth. Once the enamel's gone, it's gone for good and can not be reversed. It's a significant problem for many people and dentists alike.

The skyrocketing sensitivity epidemic is caused by many factors, however a big culprit is soda. The phosphoric and citric acids prevalent in sodas alter the pH balance of the mouth and causes enamel to erode.

The sensitivity can be extreme and plague people the rest of their life. Even hot and cold temperatures of food and drink can be continually bothersome and painful.

People are drinking more soda than ever, an estimated 44 gallons a person per year, according to the National Soft Drink Association.

The best way to ward off erosion is to abstain from soda. However, for those who insist, here's a few tips to consider.

1. Limit consumption only to meals.
2. If you must have a soda, drink it at once.  Do not sip it continually throughout the day.
3. Drink water after you have a soda to cleanse the mouth.
4. Brush after drinking a soda, if possible.
5. Chew Trident Gum after drinking.
6. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments in the office and product to take home.

The Marietta cosmetic dentists are +Verde Pointe Dental Associates are happy to answer any questions you may have about tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion.  A sensitive tooth can become like a toothache, giving way to a trip to the dentist.  Drs. Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Suzanna Aguilera offer a New Patient $100 Coupon to help with co-pays and out of pocket expenses.  Let us help you with sensitive teeth.