The Most Confusing Aisle In The Store???

If you have been shopping for toothpaste lately, you know that it can be very confusing.

Unlike the old days when the choices were few, these days it seems that there are way too many options! Whitening toothpastes, tartar control, paste or gel, gum health, desensitizing, – which is best? This is a question we get asked all the time. Sometimes it seems like the best thing to do would be to forget the labels and buy whatever is on sale!!

The fact is – buying a particular type or brand of toothpaste is usually not as important as the way you brush and how often you do so. But in any case, here is a quick run-down.

Tartar control toothpaste:  Tartar is calcified plaque which naturally forms and can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. While tartar control toothpaste has been shown to reduce the formation of new deposits, it can’t remove current ones and does nothing to prevent these formations where they are the most dangerous – underneath the gum line.

Paste vs. gel: No significant difference here; it’s more of a personal preference.

Desensitizing toothpaste: These pastes have ingredients in them which block the small tube-like channels that connect to the nerve tissue inside of your teeth. If you have exposed roots due to gum recession or teeth that are generally sensitive to hot and cold, this may be a good solution for you. But please be patient – it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the magic to kick in.

Whitening pastes: The abrasiveness of these products may reduce surface stains, but they do little to treat the actual yellowing of teeth from the inside. The good news is that most teeth can be whitened with the right treatment. Be sure to ask us what the proper whitening method is for you.

“Gum Care” toothpaste: Studies have shown these to be questionable at best, and they may not be as valuable as standard toothpastes in preventing cavities.

Expensive or bargain brand? The good news here is that price doesn’t seem to be related to effectiveness when choosing a toothpaste. As a matter of fact, recently Consumer Reports magazine rated an expensive paste near the bottom of their list with bargain basement Ultra-Brite near the top in several categories!

So which brand should I use? Most studies are fairly inconclusive on this one. Your best bet is always a brand that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval. And if that brand happens to be on sale – all the better!!

In the end, the most important thing is to brush often (morning, night-time, and after every meal), use a soft brush, try to reach every surface of every tooth, and spend two minutes doing so.

The proper technique is important as well, and we will be glad to demonstrate this to you at your next visit to Comprehensive Dental Care! If you have any more questions or would like to set up a visit, please give us a call at 352-371-9831. We are here to help you!

Did you know that we are now on Facebook? Please “like” our page at www.facebook.com/MyFavoriteGainesvilleDentist for great dental health tips, contests, giveaways, and great special announcements!

Do I Really Need to Floss?

   

Yes, Floss removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing bacteria that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can not reach. This can lead to gum disease. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease the chance of getting gum disease.

For more information about keeping your teeth clean and healthy, please call our office to set up an appointment with Dr. Loyce A. Jones.

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Teeth Health facts you should know

In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthful diet (with natural or added Fluoride) protects teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy. Read the article link below and discover how to keep your smile safe and strong.

If you have any questions please contact our office and make an appointment with Dr. Loyce Jones.

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Read this article link below and learn 3 surprising ways to keep your teeth healthy.

http://www.rd.com/health/3-surprising-ways-to-keep-your-teeth-healthy/

Oral Appliances in Dentistry

Oral appliances in dentistry and particularly in the Comprehensive Dental Care Practice of Dr. Loyce Jones fall into a couple of categories:

SLEEP DISORDER APPLIANCES:

Sleep disordered breathing and all the various categories has been said to be one of the most significant health problems in the U.S. and maybe the world. In some studies it has been stated that a drop in sleep from 7 to 5 hours can double the risk of cardiovascular death. It is for this reason that your physician and your dentist may ask you questions about your sleep habits and how rested you feel. Sleep disorders can be snoring, upper airway problems, obstructive apnea and a multiple of other apneas. Having your physician informed of your sleep habits is very important. A sleep study may be recommended that can let you see what happens when you sleep. Often a device that gives you the proper amount of oxygen is prescribed (ie CPAP, VPAP). These devices are the gold standard in helping you with breathing while asleep and treating your sleep disorder.

As your dentist we will work closely with your physician. If the CPAP or other nighttime devices can not being worn, sometimes, your physician will recommend an appliance made by us. There a more than 40 different oral appliances available. It is very important that if you decide to use an oral appliance to help with your sleep disorder that a dentist monitors its use.  All appliances have their risk and benefits. The benefit is there is an improvement in your quality of sleep 61-79% of the time, depending if you have mild or severe obstructive sleep apnea. The side effects can be jaw joint problems, tooth movement, change of your bite, sore teeth, dry mouth, over salivation, etc. Buying an appliance over the counter can cause many problems that if left undetected cannot be reversed.

Bottom line SLEEP APPLIANCES have their place in improving your quality of life when used under the watchful eye of your dentist and physician.

IF you have more questions please contact us at Comprehensive Dental Care, 352-371-9831

Dental Trivia is fun and pretty eye opening

Dental Trivia is fun and pretty eye opening

    Kick the Habit:

 

      Keeping your teeth longer is another reason to quit smoking.  According to the American Dental Association, 42% of daily smokers age 65 or older were completely toothless, compared with 29% of occasional smoker, 26% of former smokers and only 20% of never - smokers in the same age group.

 Eat the Whole Thing: 

You will get fewer cavities if you eat a bag of candy in one sitting and then rinse your mouth with water than if you eat the candy a piece at a time all day.   

Step Away from the Chips:

Sugar is not the only enemy of the teeth. Americans eat too much, too often, and the habit of “day snacking” is causing more dental disease than sugary foods alone.  Every time you put a carbohydrate in your mouth (cracker, apple, grapes, candy etc.) it remains in solution for 20 minutes bathing your teeth. SO if you eat or graze all day long do the math - you could be bathing your teeth in sugary acid for hours.

Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

It is generally recommended that an infant be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in.

What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. Some dentists may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
During the exam, your dentist will check all of your child's existing teeth for decay, examine your child's bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist or hygienist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. He or she will also educate parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.
Topics your dentist may discuss with you might include:

1. Good oral hygiene practices for your child's teeth and gums and cavity prevention
2. Fluoride needs
3. Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
4. Developmental milestones
5. Teething
6. Proper nutrition
7. Schedule of dental checkups. Many dentists like to see children every 6 months to build up the child's comfort and confidence level in visiting the dentist, to monitor the development of the teeth, and promptly treat any developing problems.

You will be asked to complete medical and health information forms concerning the child during the first visit. Come prepared with the necessary information.

Article is from WebMD

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay, also known as caries or cavities, is an oral disease that affects many people. Unlike other diseases, however, caries is not life threatening and is highly preventable, though it affects most people to some degree during their lifetime.

Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods and produces acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or demineralizing enamel, which weakens the teeth and leads to tooth decay.

Foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, and even some fruits, vegetables, and juices, may contribute to tooth decay.

If you would like more information and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones please contact us @ 352-371-9831.