The fluoride question, whether or not it is safe for children and adults alike, is not always easy to find the answer to. We’ve collected the current data on the subject in order to paint a clearer picture. 

What Is Fluoride?

This fluoride question is an easy one to answer. Fluoride is a mineral, found naturally in small amounts in soil, water, and some foods. As the nutritional requirements of fluoride have not been established, there is not currently a Recommended Dietary Allowance. When fluoride is ingested, most of it is absorbed in the gut and subsequently stored in the teeth and bones. Excess fluoride that is not absorbed is excreted in urine. The effects of fluoride, good or ill, are felt most profoundly in children. 

Where Is Fluoride Found?

Fluoride is naturally occuring, and is found in unexpected places. People can consume it in foods that absorb it from the soil, things like coffee, black tea, raisins, oatmeal, potatoes, and the shells and muscles of shellfish.

Most people are exposed to fluoride in their toothpaste and drinking water. It may be in the water naturally, introduced by the bedrock or loose soil, or added on a city-specific basis. The EPA has a current enforceable drinking water standard of 4.0 mg fluoride per liter, though they recommend a non-enforceable concentration of 2.0 mg/L to be on the safe side as regards children.

In addition to toothpaste, fluoride is sometimes an ingredient in mouthwash, dental varnishes, gels, and restorative materials. As these are applied only to the exterior of teeth, they do not contribute significantly to the total intake of fluoride, unlike vitamin supplements and pharmaceuticals. Fluoride can even be found in industrial emissions and pesticides.

Is Fluoride Good or Bad for the Teeth?

This is the most significant fluoride question, is fluoride safe for teeth. The answer is entirely dependent on the amount of fluoride involved and the method of exposure. Sometimes called nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride is an excellent resource for strengthening tooth enamel. It remineralizes enamel, preventing cavities and other tooth decay. In this way, it can extend the lifetime of teeth.

Teeth are not the only beneficiaries. Fluoride can strengthen the skeleton in general. This helps minimize the risk of skeletal fluorosis, a sometimes crippling condition that causes tenderness and pain in the joints. 

Why Do People Avoid Fluoride?

There are some people who consider fluoride questionable, refusing it at the dentist office and protesting its addition to the city water supply. This hesitancy stems from the conflicting data about fluoride which is widely available. For all its benefits, fluoride is toxic if ingested, proportional to the amount consumed. 

Perhaps the most common downside of excessive fluorination is dental fluorosis, affecting the appearance of the teeth. Too much fluoride in the system can cause discoloration in the form of white spots in the enamel or even pitting. Children under eight are most at risk. 

In its most severe toxicity, excessive fluorination can lead to skeletal fluorosis. The condition, though rare, has terrible symptoms. In addition to bone loss, fluorosis can cause tenderness and weakness in the joints, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Again, this will only occur if fluoride is ingested in excess, and it is more likely if the fluoride is allowed to accumulate in a person’s system. 

Most fluoride questions affect children more than adults. This is because their bones and teeth are still forming, and fluoride concentrations, no matter what they are, are more significant considering their small body weight. Children younger than eight are at increased risk of overexposure, which can lead to pitting, discoloration, and other cosmetic dental problems.

Monitor Your Fluoride Intake

If you have fluoride questions, it is better to err on the side of caution. It is wise to know how your city handles fluorination to know how much you are regularly exposed to. If your tap water’s fluoride levels are low, your dentist may recommend that your or your children take fluoride supplements. In taking these, make sure you follow the prescribed dose exactly. 

If your regular fluoride levels are high, your dentist may recommend that your children drink bottled water (this includes making baby formula with water that is not from the tap). No matter what your fluoride levels, it is highly important that you prioritize regular dental visits, especially for young children. Begin within the first six months after the child’s first tooth emerges or after the child’s first birthday (whichever comes first).

It is also important to remember to monitor fluoride ingestion at home. Young children, especially younger than six years old, have difficulty managing their swallowing reflex, and the primary source of fluoride intake for a child—in addition to water—is swallowing toothpaste. Wait until children are two years old before using toothpaste with fluoride. While the child is small, parents should supervise tooth brushing sessions, keeping the dollop of toothpaste pea-sized per CDC recommendation. Make sure children spit out the paste and rinse out their mouths well.

If you have further fluoride questions, you can always ask your dentist.

We in the United States tend to make an idol of white teeth, seeing them as the foundation of a beautiful smile and spending millions of dollars as a nation to achieve the effect. But is white a tooth’s natural state? Is it more common to have white teeth or are human teeth naturally yellow? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

The Natural Color of Teeth

When we see people with brilliantly white teeth, often the first response, however unconscious, is to marvel at how healthy such teeth are. On the other hand, thanks to anti-smoking commercials and adaptations of Charles Dickens novels, we tend to associate yellow teeth with poor oral hygiene. But are these generalizations fair? Is it fair to assume that yellow teeth are unhealthy and white teeth are in their prime?

All About Structure

The answer to this question is founded on the structure of our teeth. Teeth have three basic components which are layered. The heart of the tooth is the pulp. Here the nerves and blood vessels and tissues give life and nourishment to the rest of the tooth so it can function properly. Ordinarily, the pulp of the tooth has little to do with its color, but if the pulp cannot do its job, the tooth will turn black and die.

The middle layer of the tooth is called dentin. It is strong, naturally yellow, and exists primarily to give the tooth its structure. Lastly, the layer most readily seen is called the enamel. The enamel is a hard coat that is designed to protect the rest of the tooth. It is naturally white and shiny and a bit translucent, which allows a bit of the dentin to show through. 

A Matter of Genetics

The trouble with the question “are teeth naturally yellow or white” is that there is no one answer that applies to humanity in general. All teeth follow the same basic structure, but the hue of each layer and (perhaps more importantly) its thickness is entirely a question of genetics. Contrary to popular belief, naturally yellow teeth are not necessarily a sign of poor oral health. They may simply be an indication of naturally thin enamel and more dentin showing through. 

Do Teeth Naturally Yellow Over Time?

With that in mind, it is true that yellowing may be caused by external factors. The most common is age. Our teeth take a lot of heat over the course of a lifetime, and the natural wear and tear of using our teeth causes the enamel to break down, exposing more of the dentin and making teeth appear more yellow or cream-colored. 

And for all that can be said for genetics’ role in the color of teeth, it is not always the overriding force. There are lifestyle choices that can seriously affect the hue of your chompers, whether by damaging the enamel or by staining it. These are some of the most common culprits of unnaturally yellow teeth:

• Chewing tobacco and smoking
• Bruxism (grinding your teeth)
• Brushing with DIY whiteners like activated charcoal, lemon juice, or baking soda
• Brushing too vigorously
• Brushing with a firm-bristled toothbrush
• Drinking staining liquids like wine, coffee, tea, and dark-colored sodas
• Eating candy
• Eating acidic foods like balsamic vinegar, citrus, and tomatoes

While braces are often blamed for making teeth yellow, the orthodontia itself isn’t at fault. Braces make thorough brushing more difficult, and the bacteria left behind can cause irregular teeth staining. You can avoid this by brushing your teeth and braces very well.

Achieving a Whiter Smile

While you can love your smile no matter what color it is, we’ve got a few suggestions for pearlier and whiter pearly whites if that is your goal, even if your teeth run more naturally yellow. Start with these lifestyle adjustments and then consider professional teeth whitening services:

• Quit smoking and tobacco use.
• Give staining foods and drinks a pass.
• If you really can’t stay away, at least chase all troublesome food and beverages down with plenty of water. 
• Take regular care of your teeth and gums, including gentle brushing at least twice a day (try a soft-bristled toothbrush) and regular visits to your dentist.
• Ask your dentist about using a nightguard if you grind your teeth

If the damage to your enamel is too severe for regular whitening services to be effective, do not run to DIY tooth whitening instead. As mentioned above, doing so poses major risks. Dental veneers may be a better solution. Ask your dentist for recommendations.

There is much that is misunderstood about dentures. Too often in the media dentures are portrayed as nothing more than a punchline. However, dentures are a remarkable tool that improve quality of life and inspire people to have the confidence to smile again. If you think the right dentures are appropriate for your situation, nothing should stop you from getting the dentures you need.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances that act as temporary tooth solutions in the event of tooth loss. They range in size to match the extent of the loss, from replacing one tooth to a full set of teeth. While it is common for dentures to replace all of one’s teeth, especially in the golden years, they have far more applications. In fact, they don’t have to be the solution you choose for the rest of your life. 

What Are Dentures Made of?

Throughout the history of dentures, many different materials have been considered to construct them from. We have come a long way from the days when dentures were made chiefly of wood. Current dentures have a two-part structure to mimic natural teeth: the gumline inset and the teeth themselves. 

The supporting structure component rests against the gums and keeps the dentures in place. It is usually made either of a flexible polymer or an acrylic resin. It is designed to look like natural gums. The teeth components are also usually made of acrylic resin which is quite tough though not as durable as natural hard tooth tissue.

Conventional Dentures 

Conventional dentures are usually what comes to mind when people think about dentures. Their purpose is to replace teeth for the long run, though no set of dentures is as long-lasting as dental implants. They are typically good for five to 10 years. Before conventional dentures can be worn, the mouth and bones within it must have a chance to heal.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures require no such waiting period. In fact, their purpose is to give people the functionality of natural teeth while their jaws recover from tooth extraction procedures. These dentures are not designed to last longer than the recovery period (usually no more than six months). 

Immediate dentures can be refitted relatively easily to accommodate for changes in the mouth associated with healing. This can include gradually subsiding swelling in both the jaw and gums. When the healing process is complete, immediate dentures can be disposed of in favor of conventional dentures or a more permanent solution like dental implants. 

The Benefits of the Right Dentures

When you have the right dentures for your mouth, your quality of life increases impressively. Dentures counteract the common effects of tooth loss, including sagging facial muscles and an exaggerated appearance of age. Dentures fill out the cheeks and profile, making their wearers appear healthy as opposed to gaunt.

The right dentures are custom designed to fit your mouth and can make speaking easier and inspire a renewed sense of confidence. Your dentist will design your dentures to mirror natural teeth, including color matching if you still have natural teeth. This helps make the transition to wearing dentures easier.

Living with Dentures

Just because you find the right dentures for you, doesn’t mean they won’t feel strange at first. It will take time to adjust to your new dentures, perhaps a few weeks until you feel used to them. Your facial muscles will need to learn how to hold them in place, so during that adjustment period they may feel loose or even irritate the inside of your mouth. 

Understanding the Right Dentures Care Routines

Dentures need to be taken care of properly if they are to last. All teeth should be cleaned twice a day—this includes dentures, dental implants, and even real teeth. In this way you preserve good oral hygiene and stave off infection and decay. 

When your dentures are not in use, you should rinse them well and store them in a safe place submerged in warm water. Avoid hot water even if you are concerned about bacteria because temperature extremes (on either end of the thermometer) can cause your dentures to warp or crack. Letting your dentures dry out will lead to the same result.

Giving your mouth a break from your dentures allows your muscles to relax, and taking out your dentures when you sleep protects them from being dislodged, damaged, or lost. As you adjust to your dentures, follow-up regularly with your dentist to make sure your mouth is healing properly. If your dentures are damaged or stop fitting correctly, contact your dentist.

Adults or children with diabetes can experience multiple health risks that affect their daily life. Diabetes affects more than just your insulin levels and can actually impact your oral health. Our bodies are interconnected and need each part to communicate effectively to stay healthy. Mountain View Dental has worked with patients with diabetes and wants to help educate all patients about the risks that come to your oral health because of diabetes. Below are some of the risks, how you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy at home, and what your dentist may recommend if you struggle with diabetes.

Increased Risk Of Cavities

Cavities are fairly easy to avoid with proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. However, those with diabetes may need to visit the dentist more regularly. Talking to your dentist about your specific health conditions and factors will give you an accurate look at how often you should see them.

Diabetes patients also experience dry mouth and have less saliva than others. This means that acidic foods and drinks are extra harmful to your teeth. Limiting these substances, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and visiting the dentist every 6 months can help limit the spread of cavities. 

Decreased Saliva

As mentioned above, less saliva puts you at risk for cavities and plaque build-up. A dry mouth can often lead to sores, ulcers, and tooth decay. 

One way to increase saliva production without harming your teeth is to chew sugarless gum. This helps stimulate saliva without adding harmful sugar to your teeth. Salvia helps clean your enamel and keep you from having irritated gums from leftover food particles. Drinking more water can also help with saliva, but if you are taking medications that cause dry mouth, water may not be enough. 

Brushing your teeth after meals and flossing regularly will help keep your teeth clean and prevent tooth decay. Since your saliva isn’t there to do some of the work for you, you may have to work a little harder to protect your oral health.

Metallic Tongue Or Bad Taste Of Food

Patients with diabetes may also experience trouble tasting food properly. Known as diabetic tongue, a metallic taste can form in the mouth and cause eating or drinking to become unpleasant. This is an oral health problem with diabetes because it occurs when there is an excess of sugar in your saliva that is combined with the dry mouth disease known as thrush.

If you start to notice this bad taste, talk to your dentist to see if you have thrush. They can help you kill the bacteria and possibly improve dry mouth symptoms. 

Bleeding Gums

Gum inflammation and infection are common oral health problems for patients with diabetes. Diabetes can limit the amount of blood that flows to the gums. It can also cause blood cells to thicken and make it difficult for waste or bacteria to exit the gums 

Inflamed gums are painful and can often bleed or become sores. Taking care of infected gums as quickly as possible will help limit pain and prevent gum disease or other oral cancers. Diabetes patients have to be extra cautious about their oral health because even if a disease is caught and treated early, it takes longer to heal. The lack of blood flow to parts of your body plays a large role in why it takes significantly longer to heal. 

Longer Healing Time

After you receive treatment for cavities, surgery for wisdom teeth or tooth decay, root canals, implants, or other dental procedures, you will take longer to heal. Those with diabetes will see a longer healing period than other dental patients. Because open wounds or sores will take longer to heal, be sure to keep them clean and avoid smoking to avoid furthering the severity of the wound. 

Better Oral Health With Mountain View Dental

Our Pleasant View dental office is proud to serve a variety of patients. Our team of dentists loves their job and loves working with patients. Our goal is to help you stay healthy and be confident in your smile. Oral health is important as you age, but good habits formed early on will set you up for success.

Whether you just need a simple dental check-up or are looking for cosmetic dentistry services Mountain View Dental has it all. Contact our office or fill out a contact form on our website to get started!

Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure in the dental world. Each patient reacts differently to wisdom teeth extractions and anesthesia which may cause some anxiety. Mountain View Dental wants to help patients know what each dental procedure will entail and provide peace of mind. When you need a wisdom tooth extraction here are all the things you need to know before going in. 

1- Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you are thinking about getting your wisdom teeth removed you have often heard about terrible experiences people have had. Reasons for having wisdom teeth removed often proceed these stories with other pain or uncomfortable aches or sensitivity. Most people don’t have room in their mouth to fit 4 wisdom teeth so when these teeth start to break through your gums, they put pressure on your other teeth. As time goes on, this pressure on your teeth can cause your jaw to shift and cause pain while chewing or talking. 

Wisdom teeth also don’t grow straight like the rest of your teeth. Since your wisdom teeth come in after your other teeth, they can rotate and shift to an unnatural position and cause problems to the nerves and bones of your other teeth. When your wisdom teeth grow in at an angle or become trapped in your gums or jaw, they are called impacted. This makes the wisdom teeth procedure more intense and can cause major issues in your mouth when not removed. 

Because your wisdom teeth are the farthest teeth in the back of your mouth, reaching them without a toothbrush or dental floss can be difficult. This may lead to cavities, gum disease, or other infections that will lead to wisdom teeth extractions, even if your wisdom teeth fit comfortably in your mouth. 

2- Impacted Teeth

When your wisdom teeth become impacted, the process of removing your wisdom teeth becomes a little bit more complicated. Impacted teeth often require an oral surgeon and anesthesia. 

Impacted teeth usually require a dentist or oral surgeon to cut your gums in order to remove the tooth. This will also cause you to have stitches and a longer healing process. Even if your wisdom teeth are not impacted, you will need time to recover and rest after the tooth extraction. 

3- Different Types Of Anesthesia 

Local: The use of local anesthetics usually starts with the dentist numbing your mouth with a shot or novocaine, lidocaine, or mepivacaine. They may also give you nitrous oxide or laughing gas to help reduce the anxiety you may experience during the procedure. This means you are awake during wisdom teeth extraction but may feel hazy. You will feel alert soon after the extraction is complete. 

IV Sedation: Using sedation will require you to go to a surgeon over your regular dentist for wisdom teeth extractions. The IV will be given through a vein (most likely in your arm) and will lead to you being asleep or extremely drowsy during the surgery. 

General: General anesthesia is given either through an IV or by breathing in a gas. You will be asleep the whole time during your extraction and may even take over an hour to wake up after the procedure is over and anesthesia is no longer given to you.

4- Healing After Surgery

Dealing with pain and concerns after wisdom teeth extractions is common. Because you have empty holes in your mouth, eating and drinking can be difficult. It is best for patients to take time off school, work, exercise routines, and strenuous hobbies for a while. If you are having the extraction done under anesthesia, you will need a loved one or friend to provide transportation home. 

It is also important to protect your mouth from getting infected after the surgery. A dry socket is extremely common for wisdom teeth patients and can be painful. Limiting drinking through a straw or breathing with your mouth open will help prevent dry sockets. 

5- Infections To Watch For

Along with dry sockets, some patients can also experience other infections or side effects after wisdom teeth extraction. Drinking through a straw could loosen blood clots that help your mouth to heal from wisdom teeth extraction.

Smoking after a wisdom teeth extraction will slow the healing process and can cause other infections and cancers in your mouth. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco until after your surgery sites have healed. 

Your dentist will also recommend looking out for infections from food bacteria, or nerve damage. Common signs of infections or nerve damage are fever, numbness, trouble swallowing or breathing, blood or pus coming out of your nose, or bleeding in your mouth that will not stop with applying pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms call your dentist or doctor immediately. 

Wisdom Teeth Extractions With Mountain View Dental

Mountain View Dental offers general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics. Our dentists can help improve your smile in just a few sessions. Let us help you make a great first impression with a healthy smile.