TIME TO THINK ABOUT YOUR DRINK! Many of us know the harmful effects of sugary and acidic drinks on our teeth. When we drink sweet beverages, sugars in the drink combine with bacteria in our mouths to produce acids that wear away our teeth. Even “diet” and “sugar-free” options contain their own acids that can weaken tooth enamel.

Making good drink choices can not only save your smile, but it can improve your overall health as well! Here are a few ways to protect your health:
Drink more water–not only does it not contain any sugar or acid, water also hydrates better than sugary drinks.
Drink soft-drinks in moderation, if at all.
Use a straw–this causes your teeth to be less exposed to the sugar and acid in drinks.
Don’t drink sugary drinks before bed–if you do, sugar and acid will remain on your teeth throughout the night.

We’ve noticed that our patients who make healthier drink choices have fewer cavities and healthier teeth. It takes time to get rid of any habit. Usually around 40 days. Commit yourself to water for 40 days and see the difference for yourself. Not just in your oral hygiene but your overall health as well.

Take The Pledge!

This month, we’re asking our patients to take the pledge to “Think About Your Drink”! Throughout the month, you can come into our office and pledge to make an effort to make healthier drink choices. By taking the challenge, you promise to make an effort to switch sugary and unhealthy drinks for water and by doing so, you are entered to win a prize at the end of the month.

We’ll be giving away a brand new Samsung Galaxy tab for one lucky winner. We will select one lucky winner from our raffle. The promotion will end on October 10th.

We’re Really Excited About This Promotion, Because it’s a chance for us and our patients to make a positive change in our lives.

It’s easy and everybody wins! Choosing to make healthier drink choices will protect your teeth and help maintain your beautiful smile. Even one less sugary drink per day can make a huge difference in improving your whole-body health.

Good luck and Think About Your Drink!

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According to a surprising new study, people who have more dental cavities are at lower risk of being diagnosed with head and neck cancer, compared with patients who have few or no cavities.

Dental cavities (or caries) are caused by tooth decay. This is when the bacteria present in the mouth make lactic acids that strip away minerals in the tooth by fermenting carbohydrates.

According to the researchers from the University at Buffalo, NY, previous studies have shown the bacteria that causes tooth decay is linked to an immune response, which may be protective against cancer.

For this study, published online in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the researchers set out to determine if there is a significant link between dental cavities and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC).

The study involved 399 patients newly diagnosed with HNSCC, and 221 participants without the cancer who were all selected from the Department of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Roswell Park Cancer Industry between 1999 and 2007.

The researchers analyzed the dental history of all patients, particularly their history of dental cavities, by measuring the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth.

Dental cavities a form of ‘collateral damage’

Of the 399 patients with HNSCC, 146 (36.6%) had oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Oropharyngeal SCC occurred in 151 (37.8%) patients, while 102 (25.6%) had laryngeal SCC.

The results of the study overall showed that those who had high cavity numbers and who placed in the top third of participants were less likely to have HNSCC, compared with participants who had low cavity numbers in the bottom third.

The study authors explain:

“Caries is a dental plaque-related disease. Lactic acid bacteria cause demineralization (caries) only when they are in dental plaque in immediate contact with the tooth surface. The presence of these otherwise beneficial bacteria in saliva or on mucosal surfaces may protect the host against chronic inflammatory diseases and HNSCC.

We could think of dental caries as a form of ‘collateral damage’ and develop strategies to reduce its risk while preserving the beneficial effects of the lactic acid bacteria.”

The researchers say that a potential strategy to reduce the risk of dental cavities while still preserving the lactic acid bacteria could be to implement mechanical plaque control, preservation of saliva and use of fluoride, as well as controlling diet and other risk factors.

They add:

“Future studies assessing the potential effects of the oral microbiome and associated immune responses on HNSCC will help elucidate the biological mechanism of the clinical association that we have observed in this study.”

Medical News Today recently reported on a study that suggested poor oral health and gum disease could lead to a higher risk of throat cancer.

Written by Honor Whiteman

Copyright: Medical News Today

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Teaching your toddler to take care of his teeth is just one way you can show your growing child how to take responsibility for his body. This can be a challenge because 3-year-olds are motivated mainly by fun and pleasure, not by health and necessity. If you want to end his resistance to brush, your best bet is to make this nightly chore a fun ritual for him. Here are a few tricks you can use to do just that:

Play copycat. Capitalize on a toddler’s natural desire to mimic fun activities he sees. Bring your child into the bathroom with you to watch you brush your teeth. Be sure to lay out his toothbrush where he can reach it. While you’re brushing, exaggerate a show of excitement. He’ll likely be encouraged to copy what you’re doing.

Make the toothbrush a toy. Let him play with it. For example, show him how to brush his teddy bear’s “teeth,” or even let him brush yours. Create the impression that toothbrushes are fun to use.

Play show and tell. While you are showing your child how to “play” with the toothbrush, tell him why tooth brushing is important. Say: “Sticky stuff collects on your teeth. The sugar bugs like the sticky stuff, and if they stay there long enough, they’ll eat into your teeth, and then your teeth won’t be strong and white.” If you have a cavity that’s filled, show it to him to reinforce this point.

Use your finger as a toothbrush. If he still doesn’t seem enthralled by his toothbrush, wrap a piece of gauze around your finger (you can actually purchase slip-on gauze pieces for this purpose) and use your finger to clean his teeth. Some toddlers find this less frightening than a long, plastic toothbrush. If you use toothpaste, choose one that has a flavor he likes. A word of caution: If you choose a toothpaste with fluoride, as most dentists recommend, use only a pea-size dab no more than once a day. Many children this age will swallow toothpaste. As a preventative medicine, the mineral fluoride has a narrow risk/benefit ratio: Just the right amount of fluoride (via brushing) can help protect against tooth decay, but too much (via digestion) can contribute to weakened enamel.

When nothing else will work: Try the two-person technique we resorted to in our family to successfully brush the teeth of our resistant toddler. Have your child lie on your lap with his head facing you, while your partner sits in front of you knee-to-knee, supporting your child’s body in his lap. Have your partner lean forward and hold your child’s arms and legs while you gently brush his teeth from above (a position that will give you easier access and a better view).

Your child will eventually catch on that brushing his teeth is a regular and necessary part of taking care of his whole body – and he’ll enjoy doing it. it’s also crucial that your child gets a good experience at the dentist from a very young age, this will prevent the fear some children sadly develop due to bad experiences at the dentists office in the younger years, our caring and friendly team at Radiant Dental will go the extra mile to ensure your child leaves with a smile, an even better smile! so book your child’s appointment now, or contact us for more info.

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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. making it almost invisible braces.

How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear “aligners” are produced. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments.
Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start—so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Is Invisalign For Me?
Invisalign can be used to treat the vast majority of common problems for adults and teens.
Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help. It’s successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites.

Made to fit your lifestyle, not change it.
Because Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to position and straighten teeth, you can keep your active lifestyle during treatment. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners have no metal bands or wires to irritate your mouth. So go ahead and be as active as you like. Since Invisalign is removable, just take the clear aligners out for special events or if you’re going to indulge in a sticky, gooey snack.

Look your best during and after treatment.
Of course you want to look great, at work, at school, with friends. Maybe you speak to groups or conduct meetings. You still can. Because Invisalign is clear and nearly invisible, most people will never know you’re straightening your teeth – unless you tell them. And when your course of treatment has ended, you can feel more confident, whether in front of people or not. You’re going to have a stunning smile.

What Invisalign can do for you.
Teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced can create unhealthy conditions, including swollen gums, redness and pocketing, all of which are signs of periodontal disease. As Invisalign invisibly straightens your teeth, it can also do great things for the health of your mouth.

Healthier Gums
Clinical studies have shown that gum health may improve with the use of Invisalign during orthodontic treatment. Properly aligned teeth can help gums “fit” tighter around each tooth, which may lead to better periodontal health. Unlike braces, with Invisalign, you can brush and floss normally, which can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Easier Cleanings
Unlike traditional orthodontics or braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. Maintaining a good oral hygiene program will also reduce chances of plaque build-up, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Improved Chewing and Speech
For some people, incorrectly positioned teeth and jaws can exacerbate speech difficulties and chewing problems. Correcting your bite by straightening your teeth can help improve both.

Lower Risk of Trauma and Abnormal Wear
Properly aligned teeth can be less stressful on supporting bone and jaw joints

For more information or to make an appointment

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From the time we’re young, we’re taught that using a Toothbrush regularly is one of the best ways to keep our teeth and gums healthy. But which toothbrush is best?

You can’t overestimate the importance of good oral hygiene — not only for dental health, but for your overall wellbeing. In fact, gum disease is a major risk factor for the development of serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

In the late 1930s, when toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first invented, consumers choosing a toothbrush didn’t have many options. Now, the story’s completely different. Most stores that sell oral hygiene products now have an extensive collection of different types of toothbrushes on their shelves, including manual (disposable) and powered (electric) varieties.

General Tips for Choosing a Toothbrush

There are certain characteristics that you should look for in whatever toothbrush you choose, regardless of whether it is manual or powered.

Size. The best toothbrush head for you should allow you easy access to all surfaces of your teeth. For most adults, a toothbrush head a half-inch wide and one-inch tall will be the easiest to use and the most effective. Though there are larger toothbrush heads available, you may find that it is difficult to maneuver them to clean certain hard-to-reach areas, such as the sides and backs of your molars. The toothbrush should have a long enough handle so you can comfortably hold it in your hand.

Bristle variety. If you go to the drug store to purchase a manual toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric toothbrush, you will be able to select a toothbrush with soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles. For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel. For even more tooth protection when you brush, be sure the bristles on the toothbrush you select have rounded tips.

Expert recommendation. To ensure your toothbrush has undergone rigorous quality control tests for cleaning effectiveness and safety, ask your dentist for a recommendation. Or look for manual or powered toothbrushes that have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval.

For disposable toothbrushes, this seal ensures that: the bristles will have safe tips; the bristles will not fall out of the toothbrush under typical brushing conditions; the handle will withstand normal use; and the toothbrush will effectively reduce plaque build-up and gum disease in its early stages.

In addition to satisfying these conditions, powered or electric toothbrushes bearing the seal also must undergo safety testing in an independent lab and prove through clinical trials that the toothbrush is safe for use on the tissues of the mouth and teeth as well as any dental hardware that may be in place.

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