Science Daily has reported that researchers at the Medical College of Georgia have discovered a higher concentration of tooth-friendly fluoride in black tea than originally thought. Reports published previously show between 1 to 5 milligrams of fluoride per liter of black tea, but this new study suggests that number could be as high as 9 milligrams. For more than five decades, the American Dental Association has endorsed the use of fluoride as a safe and effective means to prevent tooth decay. As with anything, black tea should be enjoyed in moderation, of course.

You can thank your friendly Gilbert, AZ cosmetic dentist office for giving you one more reason to enjoy that delicious cup of tea!

What are my options for whitening? There are several ways to whiten teeth, also referred to as teeth bleaching. Teeth bleaching  at home takes approximately two to three weeks to achieve the desired level of whiteness. While many dentists now offer in-office services such as  Zoom!® laser teeth whitening, which takes about two hours in office, both can produce dazzling results.

If you are looking for an easy way to brighten your smile and remove stains, teeth whitening may be right for you.

What stained my teeth? Teeth can be stained by beverages (such as tea, coffee, colas, red wine), foods (such as berries, tomatoes, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar), tobacco products, certain medicines, and genetic factors.    

Will teeth whitening affect my previous dental work? Teeth whitening is a non-invasive procedure that is safe for patients who have had previous dental work. Your dentist will examine your existing dental work and oral hygiene before beginning the teeth whitening procedure. If there are signs that previous dental work has become weakened or needs to be fixed, your dentist will probably suggest repairs before continuing with the teeth whitening procedure.

Does it hurt? The teeth whitening procedure is not painful; however, some patients may experience minor sensitivity in certain teeth and around the gum line after the procedure has taken place. Patients who prefer the take home method may request that their dentist provide them with a milder concentration of the peroxide-based gel that is used to avoid sensitivity.

What is used to whiten my teeth? Bleach products contain a peroxide agent (usually carbamide peroxide, which comes in concentrations of 10%, 16%, and 22%)

Is it permanent? Teeth whitening can produce dramatic results. However, it is important to keep in mind that daily oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining teeth whitening results. Cigarette smoking, coffee, and tea will still stain the teeth after whitening. If this happens, an occasional touch-up with an over-the-counter or take-home teeth whitening product should keep your teeth looking as good as they did following the whitening procedure.        

The other way you can connect with us in on kudzu.com and yelp.com. The great thing about these websites is that you can read what our patients have written about their experience in our office. It’s a great way to get to know us if you’re new to our office. We’d love to hear about your experience in our office and invite you to write a review. It’s easy, just go to either Kudzu or Yelp, type in Sheldon Sullivan DDS and click on our page. Then just click on “write a review”, it’s that simple.

We look forward to hearing from you on the web!!

DOES YOUR MOUTH FEEL AS DRY AS COTTON?
Does your mouth feel dry and sticky when you wake up? Do you feel the urge to drink lots of water? Dry mouth can create difficulty swallowing, chewing your food, or even speaking clearly. With a dry mouth, the chance of having tooth decay increases significantly without warning and can even happen quickly.

WHAT IS DRY MOUTH?
Dry mouth, also call xerostomia, is a condition in which your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva (spit) creating an extremely dry environment. The most common cause of dry mouth is due to prescriptions; other causes can be, but not limited to, radiation therapy or autoimmune disorders. Whatever you do, don’t stop taking your medicine but mention dry mouth to your physician as soon as you can. While you may not fall into one of the previous categories, it is always important to tell your physician or your hygienist if it is a continual problem.

DRY MOUTH SYMPTOMS:

DRY MOUTH COMFORT TIPS:

Try using a nighttime humidifier to moisten room air. 

Adapted from the following website: http://www.dentalcare.com/en-US/patient/english/xerostomia.jspx

Have you ever heard the saying, “Your day goes the way the corners of your mouth turn.”?  The power of a smile can have an incredible impact on others around us. People tend to think more positively of those who are smiling than those who are not. There are many interesting facts in regards to a smile.

Some Smile Facts:

In a survey: 87% think that people feel good about themselves when they smile.

It has been said that the workplace is more productive when people smile.

It’s a simple gesture, it takes no effort or time, and it can brighten someone’s day.

When we smile, we release endorphins that help us feel better.  Even faking a smile can make you happier!

Healthy smiles create excitement and vitality. 

The first thing people usually look at when they meet you is your Smile!

Many researchers and health studies have proven that laughter has a healing effect on patients. People are advised to smile rather than frown and that “laughter is the best medicine.”

Smiling is natural… not a learned habit that humans get from watching others.  Even infants who are born blind smile.

Did you know that on average women smile 62 times a day, while most men smile approximately 8 times a day.

Many adults agree that an attractive smile is an important social asset.

On average, adults say they always remember someone with an attractive smile.

Don’t forget to smile.

Did you know that cavities are contagious? It’s true! Cavities are an infection of bacteria in the mouth that live and thrive on what you eat and drink. This is especially true with foods and drinks containing lots of sugar, such as sticky, chewy sweets, many juices, and sodas to name a few. These bacteria can be passed not only from one tooth to another but also from person to person. This can happen by sharing eating utensils or straws, drinking after one another, sharing toothbrushes, even kissing on the mouth. This is just one of many great reasons to keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free. Bacteria from an unhealthy mouth may be unintentionally passed to a family member.

What do We Do? Prevention…

I’m happy you asked. Fluoride is nature’s most effective cavity-fighter and cavity-preventer. Fluoride may also minimize the germs that cause cavities. It has been proven that by having professional fluoride treatments from your dentist, cavities are reduced significantly and even prevented all together. 

Join us in the prevention and spreading of decay. We recommend that you visit our office for regular hygiene treatment and dental check-ups. Have cavities and gum problems treated immediately. Be aware of sharing anything that has been in someone else’s mouth. Drink plenty of fluoridated water. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride, and floss once a day. Limit sweets to mealtimes, and choose healthy snacks, such as fruits.

The photos below depict decay that was found under an existing restoration, and was much larger than anticipated.