Monday, August 31, 2015

Back to School Dental Care Advice for Parents:

            With school starting again and all of the hustle and bustle to get ready each morning, it can be easy for routine dental care to be forgotten. We want to offer just a few tips to help keep your kids teeth healthy even with a hectic schedule.
  • Have them brush their teeth before breakfast. Ideally I would like to see them brush after they finish eating, but any way to find time to keep brushing in the routine is a good time. Brushing before breakfast can help save time.
  • Choosing fruits, vegetables, and water over fruit snacks and juice boxes. When we sip on sugary juices or slowly eat sugary snacks, there is a prolonged exposure of the sugar on the teeth. Chances are your child will not be brushing their teeth after lunch which means there is more time for the sugar to attack the teeth.
  • Sports mouth guards.  Football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, field hockey and host of other sports involve the potential for trauma to the face and teeth. Over the counter guards can be effective, but a custom fitted guard offers a little more protection and is more likely to be properly used.
  • Include dental exam and cleaning in your back to school checklist. When school is back in session, life tends to get even busier. Between sports and other after school activities, it can be difficult to find time to see the dentist. Appointments before and after work are the first to fill up, and if you want to avoid taking your child out of school we recommend scheduling in advance.
  • Avoid sugary snacks and energy drinks while studying. Many kids, especially when they get older, have a tendency to snack on candy when they are studying for exams. And if they get tired, they may try some energy drinks to stay alert. Be sure to warn them of the potential harm if used too frequently. Too often we find a spike in cavities when students go away to college and let their home care slip. 

Hopefully a few small changes can go a long way in keeping your kids teeth healthy.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc. 

Monday, August 24, 2015

Should I Whiten my Teeth with Oil Pulling?

            Oil pulling is an old remedy that started in India and has been all the rage due to news coverage and social media websites. It requires swishing edible oil (coconut, sesame, or olive) for at least 20 minutes before. The idea is swish until the oil looks white, which allegedly shows that bacteria have been removed from your mouth. While it may eventually prove effective in some cases, most dentals are hesitant to get behind the practice of oil pulling until further legitimate research can be properly done.
            At first glance, the removal of bacteria from your mouth sounds ideal. However, there are numerous types of bacteria in the oral cavity we all need to maintain good oral health. If the oil pulling does remove all of the bacteria from the mouth, it could actually do more harm than good if the normal make up of bacteria is altered. This could potentially lead to a higher risk of infections or cavities by changing the way our mouth defends itself.  Until more studies have been completed, many dentals will likely remain skeptical.
            Oil pulling requires 20 minutes of swishing, which is a long time to keep anything in your mouth and actively swish. To achieve whiter teeth and better oral health you desire, I would advise just spending that extra time with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouth rinse.  It is my belief that those home care tools will yield the best long term results. And if whitening your teeth is a concern, most dental professionals agree than professional teeth bleaching will be the safest, most predictable, and most effective way to brighten your smile.
            Whether or not you decide to try oil pulling is your own decision. But be sure to let us know if you are so we can document your home care. And even if you are diligent in using oil pulling, I would recommend you don’t use it to replace the more traditional homecare methods of brushing, flossing and using mouth rinse.

Please visit us at www.brownandkupper.com with any other questions.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

US seniors face lack of dental benefits:

            The Associated Press has reported that up to 60% of Americans have dental benefits, which is the highest level in decades. But according to Oral Health America, the nation’s older population may be getting left behind. Almost 70% of senior citizens are without dental coverage. We will discuss why many seniors are without dental benefits and what options are available.
            One major reason for the lack of dental coverage is that Medicare does not include dental. After retiring, many rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs but cannot afford private dental insurance. When employed, companies help to offset the cost of dental insurance. But after retirement, more and more employers are cutting dental benefits do to rising healthcare costs. As a result, many seniors are faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to allocate more of their fixed income towards dental experiences.
            So what are your options if you want to keep up with your dental health but you no longer have subsidized dental insurance? The first option would be to purchase your own policy through one of the dental benefit providers. The obvious advantage is you will have some coverage to offset any necessary dental needs or procedures. However, I would urge you to be very careful about the plan you decide to buy because there are a number of options out there that drastically limit your covered procedures or providers. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns so we can help you find a plan that works for you based on your needs and dental history.
            Another option that is now available is our ‘In-Office Savings Plan.’ This annual fee covers your semi-annual cleaning and annual x-rays at a discounted rate. It also includes a discount off any procedures performed here without a yearly maximum. This allows you to stay with the same dental team you know and trust while receiving discounted rates. We chose to offer this because we believe in the value of continuing your care with people you trust, and not being dictated where to go based on what a dental plan may offer.
            With so many changes happening in health care, it can be very confusing to know what the right plan is for you. Feel free to ask us during your next visit or call with any questions or concerns.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Is it necessary to have 2 dental cleanings per year?

            If you have a history of cavities or stains on your teeth, it is clear why you need to visit the dentist on a regularly. But for those who seldom have cavities or don’t accumulate a lot stain, you may wonder why we insist on cleanings and exams every six months. Even while there is plenty of studies and vast amounts of data to support six months check-ups, the bottom line is we base our recommendations on early detection and preventative care.
            The sooner a cavity is found, the easier it is to treat. This means decreased chance of sensitivity because it is less invasive on your tooth. And it goes without saying that smaller fillings take less time than larger and more challenging fillings. This means you spend less time at the dentist and more time keeping up with your busy schedule.
            Many cavities and dental problems don’t exhibit painful signs or symptoms until considerable damage is done. Our goal is to identify problems early and treat them before it causes any discomfort. A dental exam every six months and bitewing x-rays every year are critical in finding developing problems are otherwise unnoticeable. The absence of pain does not mean absence of dental problems.
            Tarter (calculus) is a hardened colony of bacteria that forms and adheres to the teeth. Once it has solidified on the teeth, brushing and flossing isn’t enough to remove the hard deposits. Dental hygienists have specialized instruments to remove the calculus and allow your teeth and gums to return to health. We don’t typically recommend our patients use hard or sharp ‘tools’ at home to remove the tarter in an effort to avoid cleaning appointments. It is very difficult to remove all of the calculus and you will likely leave some underneath the gums. If left without treating, this can lead to more serious infections and long term problems.
            Keeping up with semi-annual visits to the dentist is essential in maintaining your oral health by diagnosing and treating problems early. Remaining diligent with you schedule will end up saving you time and money and hopefully keep your mouth pain free.

Please visit us at www.brownandkupper.com for more information.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.