Shirley H. Bien, DMD
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Fluoride By the Numbers
We all know that fluoride is important in guarding young teeth against tooth decay, but how do you know if your child is getting enough fluoride? The American Dental Association (ADA) states that children over six years old need to have 1,000 parts per million (ppm) fluoride every day. By law, children’s fluoride toothpaste must contain at least 1,000 ppm fluoride, and the ADA label assures the toothpaste complies with the law. Besides toothpaste, fluoride is found in most tap water, fruit juices and milk. While there are multiple delivery systems available for additional fluoride, topical application is the best way to prevent tooth decay. ---
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That Movie Star Smile
We’ve all seen that movie – the one where the movie’s heroine removes her glasses and shakes out her ponytail to reveal the hidden movie star within. What if it were that easy to transform your less-than-stellar teeth into a movie star smile? Polishing an imperfect smile can be achieved in a lot of ways both minor and major. However, there are some conditions that require a more permanent solution – a Hollywood smile makeover. --
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The Curse of the Black Tongue
If you look in the mirror and notice your tongue is black—don’t panic! Although alarming, a condition called black (or hairy) tongue is a harmless, painless nuisance. The top surface of your tongue is covered by little finger-like projections called papillae (puh-‘pill-i). For reasons unknown, papillae can grow long like fur and might need to be trimmed. The color can range from black, green, orange, and yellow to brown reacting to the color in foods and chromatic bacteria. Papillae trap bacteria and yeast creating bad breath and a stale taste in your mouth. This condition can occur at any age; however, we know that, generally, healthy people do not experience black tongue. There are several factors that might cause this condition, including— . ---
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Decaying Self-Esteem
Tooth decay is the number one preventable, chronic childhood disease. But unlike most childhood diseases, a cavity-riddled smile can cause embarrassment, chronic discomfort and damage self-esteem. Teens that have decayed teeth, oral infection and foul breath might be ridiculed and shunned by peers at the time in their lives when social acceptance can seem like the most important thing in the world. If nothing else, a teen with an unhealthy mouth is less apt to smile. A lack of self-esteem can lead teens to worsen dental issues by eating an unhealthy diet and having poor oral hygiene.
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Healthy Fat for Healthy Gums
Not all fats are created equally. During the ‘low-fat diet’ craze, the existence of healthy fat has been largely ignored. However, healthy fats are just that….healthy! These “good” fats have many helpful benefits for your body, your well-being and your dental health.
Ongoing research is showing that foods containing polyunsaturated fats may have the ability to not only treat, but also slow periodontitis’ progress. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is a chronic, bacterial infection that results in tooth and bone loss as well as inflammation contributing to arterial plaque buildup.
How can fat fight gum disease? Polyunsaturated, or “good” fats, fight inflammation. Periodontitis and other conditions associated with inflammation, such as strokes or perhaps even diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis could be slowed, treated and even reversed by these anti-inflammatory foods.
So, which fats are the “good” fats? Polyunsaturated (and monounsaturated) fats are everywhere. Add “good” fat in the form of cold water fish like salmon, trout, mackerel and herring. Include seeds and nuts like flax, sunflower, walnuts and almonds. Also, oils such as olive, coconut, safflower, soy and sunflower oils. Last but not least, don’t forget those strange fruits avocado and olives.
Study participants who had periodontitis and who ate a balanced amount of polyunsaturated fats had sign...