Why should I get my teeth checked? They don't hurt!

Another popular question I hear around town and from my friends is the following:  Why should I get my teeth checked?  They don't hurt!  Great question.  Here are some answers.
1.  Teeth do not have to hurt to have underlying problems.
2.  Check-ups prevent small problems from becoming larger expensive problem (example: a small cavity needing a simple filling vs. a large undiagnosed cavity that had not been hurting becoming a root canal or an extraction).
3.  Gum disease can be prevented and helps to control your body's total health.
4.  We will screen for oral lesions that could be precancerous or cancerous (especially important in people with history of tobacco use and alcohol use).
5.  Everyone loves a healthy mouth and as the old adage states "an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure."

Remember, we are always accepting new patients and look forward to seeing you all.
Thanks,
Dr. Josh

Gingivitis

Do you see pink in the sink when you brush your teeth?  Are your gums puffy, red or swollen?  Puffy, red, tender or bleeding gums are not normal and chances are you have gingivitis.
So often we hear "well they only bleed when I brush them", or "I don't floss because it makes my gums bleed and it hurts".  All of these symptoms are signs of gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is caused by the buildup of plaque at the base of your teeth (the gingiva).
This plaque is a sticky yellowish film of bacteria as well as food particles that develops naturally on our teeth.  It forms into colonies and sets up camp on the smooth surfaces.  When it first forms it is soft enough to come off easily, but it starts to harden within 24-48 hours.  Once it hardens it is called tartar (or calculus) and you will not be able to brush or floss it off.
This tartar acts much like a splinter between your teeth and your gums, causing the gums to become red, irritated and swollen.  When this happens they will begin to bleed when brushing.

Here are some other conditions that can add to this problem making gingivitis more difficult to treat:
1. Crooked or misaligned teeth
2. Poor diet
3. Smoking
4. Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
5. Medications and some medical conditions

Here are 5 simple tips to give gingivitis the "brush off":
1. Get regular professional dental cleanings and exams at least twice a year
2. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush.
3. Floss your teeth everyday
4, Follow your dentist's and hygienist's advice on other products they may want you to use: Sonicare toothbrushes, mouth rinses, toothpastes, etc.
5. Replace older worn out fillings as recommended

With proper care, gingivitis is completely reversible.  If your gums are tender or bleed, don't wait, make an appointment now!  If it goes ignored it will progress to a more serious and irreversible dental disease (Periodontal disease) that could lead to tooth lose.

Thanks,
Michelle Gerrity

Why Should I Floss?

Why should I floss my teeth?  That's a question I hear daily and the answer is simple: Flossing is the best way to clean in between your teeth and help keep your gums healthy.  Believe it or not the bristles of your tooth brush are just too big to fit in between your teeth.  We recommend daily flossing in addition to brushing two times a day to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
To use manual (regular) floss, start by pulling out a section of floss about 18 inches long.  Wrap the floss around your middle fingers on each hand leaving 1-2 inches free to work with between them.  Using your index fingers to guide the floss, start in one area of the mouth and work your way around the arch then do the same with the opposite arch.  Make sure you floss both sides of every tooth. It's very important to make a "C" shape round the tooth and use a gentle vertical stroke.  Keep in mind the goal of flossing is to gently cleanse the area and not to harm or injure the gum tissue.  Some bleeding may occur if you are just beginning to floss. Please don't be discouraged because this is only temporary and should stop after a few weeks of regular flossing.
If you have further questions about how to floss or what types of floss would be best for your mouth please ask us.  You may also submit a question or comment.
Thanks,
Laura Melton, RDH, BS

Dry Mouth

Most people have dry mouth every once in a while, but if you have it most or all of the time it can lead to dental and general health problems.  Dry mouth is also known as Xerostomia.  Dry mouth is caused by not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.  Did you know that saliva is important because it: helps digest food, protects teeth from decay, prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth, and it makes it possible for you to chew and swallow your food.
Dry mouth can be caused by nerve damage to the head and neck, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, some diseases (AIDS/HIV, diabetes, & Parkinson's to name a few), and side effects of medications like blood pressure and anti-depressants.  There are more than 400 medications that can cause dry mouth.
If you have dry mouth you can do some of the following:
-Sip water often
-Avoid drinks with caffeine in them
-Chew sugarless gums or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow
-Do not use tobacco or alcohol (they tend to dry the mouth out)
-Be aware of spicy or salty foods because they can cause pain
-Make sure you brush 2 times a day
-Floss every day
-Use toothpaste with fluoride in it
-Visit your dentist for a checkup at least twice a year
-Use Biotene products (great for aiding in dry mouth) found at your local pharmacy
Thanks,
Jessica Still

Where are my baby's teeth?

We've all had the moments when a brother, cousin, etc's child gets their first tooth, and we notice that our same aged child either does not have one or got it in a lot earlier.  Well, tooth eruption in babies is not an exact science.  There are basic guidelines, but every child and every family is different.
"Normally", a child's first tooth erupts at 6 months old and is the bottom front tooth or incisor. Then it is typically followed by the upper incisor. They can come in together, separate, with space, and without spacing.
The truth is, there is no normal. These teeth play a vital role in speech, eating and guidance of the adult teeth into their proper position.  Early loss from cavities and trauma can lead to space deficiencies and slowed speech development.  Trust me, I know.  My soon to be 6 year old lost her upper front tooth shortly after her 3rd birthday with a little help from her baby brother.  Who says children don't understand pay back.  Joking of course!  It was an accident.
If you have concerns about lack of eruption or their look and placement, contact us for an evaluation.  We are always ready to meet a new child and start the process of establishing a long and lasting relationship.  I have attached a helpful link to help new parents as well as seasoned veterans in knowing their child's tooth eruption sequences. http://children.webmd.com/primary-baby-teeth-eruption-sequence.
Thanks,
Dr. Josh

CEREC Crowns in 1 day

It's no secret that our office embraces technology.  From intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, to CEREC crowns, we try to stay at the forefront of the ever evolving world of technology. You can see immediately upon arrival that we are not the same old same old dental office you may have been to before.
One of the greatest advances in dentistry is CAD/CAM dentistry.  We embrace the CEREC technology which allows us to digitally image teeth and fabricate your final crown in 1 visit. The material is made of high strength porcelains and is made start to finish in under 2 hours.
Wow!  No physical impression.  No lab time.  No temporary.  Sounds great does it not?  It is backed by 27 years of research and development and the products keep getting stronger and more esthetic.
However, some cases must be sent to our laboratory because of lack of space due to shorter teeth, patients who grind their teeth, teeth requiring bridgework, and a few other exceptions. 
Here at DuBose Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we try to do as much as possible in our office.  We respect you and your time and know that both are precious.  Call today to schedule your crown appointment and get it in the same day.
Thanks for your time,
Dr. Josh

Why 6 Month Smiles?

I love the following question:  Why should I use 6 Month Smiles instead of traditional bracketted orthodontics?  Well, there are several indications as well as reasons to use 6 Month Smiles (6MS). Traditional adult orthodontics is going to take18-36 months, whereas 6MS will be finished between 4-9 months.  Traditional Ortho will correct all biting or occlusion discrepancies as well as straighten teeth.  With 6MS, we are cosmetically focusing our treatment.  We will correct the smile zone teeth and not worry about back tooth position.  We understand the occlusion is extremely important.  That is why we do consultations to determine if you are a great candidate or not.  If your occlusion is terribly off, we recommend traditional ortho to correct. 
Being cosmetically focused, we can alter the smile zone teeth in a shorter period of time and decrease treatment time.  Adjusting the back teeth is what takes the most time in traditional orthodontics.  Visit www.monroegadentist.com and select 6 Month Smiles to learn more.
Thanks,
Dr. Josh

If you have a moment, here is a nice little remake of "Teach me how to Dougie" presented by the Oregon Dental Association. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ugQLL65BKc.
Dr. Josh

How do I know if I have a cavity?

Well, this is an all too often question I am asked.  The only true way to determine if you have a cavity is by an examination from your dentist.  If it is between the teeth, X-Rays will show it.  If it is on the chewing surface or the sides of the tooth, the dentist will be able to both see and feel it with their explorer.
Many people think that a cavity hurts.  On the contrary.  Most do not, and when they have increased in size enough to cause discomfort, then the tooth may need more than a conservative filling.  Root canals and crowns may be needed because of the amount of damage to the tooth.  Extractions may be needed as well if the tooth has suffered too much damage.
It is definitely wise and cost effective to maintain your teeth and visit your dentist every 6 month umless instructed to come more frequently.  Call us to set an appointment at 770-267-6822 and visit us at www.monroegadentist.com.
Thanks,
Dr. Josh

Types of toothpastes: which is best?

Another common question asked by our patients is : "which toothpaste is best?"    I believe this to have  multiple answers.  If you are having tooth sensitivity, there is no better product on the market than Sensodyne.  The key to this toothpaste is time.  You must commit to solely using it for 2-3 weeks and not brush with other pastes.  It will decrease sensitivity very effectively.
Any toothpaste that has fluoride and is ADA approved will be effective for fighting cavities and gum disease.  I recommend Colgate Total because it also has Triclosan to fight gum disease.  It is abrasive and shouldn't be used in those persons having sensitivity.
Any comments on this post are welcomed,
Dr Josh

Child's first dental visit

We are often asked, "how old does my child need to be before they see a dentist?"  Well, there are several answers to the question.  One, if you notice a problem in your child's mouth or are concerned, please visit a dentist or a pedodontist (they specialize in the treatment of children) as soon as possible. 
Two, when they are 2 years old, we like for them to start their dental visits.  It may be a get acquainted visit, or a full on exam with prophy (cleaning).  It solely depends on the level of comfort of your child. 
We strive to be the best and to establish a life long relationship with your child.  We do not want them afraid.  It is common to be anxious, but not fearful.  Always speak positivelyy about their upcoming visit, and do not let any past experience on your behalf inhibit their visit.
Hopefully, they will grow with us.
Thanks,
Dr. Josh

Monday morning

CEREC still continues to amaze me.  A patient presented with a broken front tooth.  The tooth needed a crown and she was embarassed by the fracture.  Understandably so, it's a front tooth.  In under 2 hours, we fabricated and definitively cemented her crown.  No impressions.  No temporary. No second visit.  Again, AMAZING technology.
Dr. Josh

Brushing and Flossing

We've noticed an alarming increase in cavities in the south.  We at DuBose Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are encouraging all ages of patients to truly brush and floss twice a day.  Brushing in the morning removes the smell and freshens the mouth, but the evening is when all the days foods and drinks must be brushed and flossed away.  No tooth brush can get between those teeth, so please floss.
Also important that we cut down on the soft drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks because of the high sugar content and high acidic nature.  Our teeth don't agree with those two combinations!