Should Expecting Mothers Visit the Dentist?

            In the past, many dentists were hesitant to treat pregnant patients. As a result many women did not receive timely dental care they needed. However, dental treatment during pregnancy is typically beneficial and there is now a shift towards continuing routine dental care during pregnancy.

            You obviously want to make all the right decisions during your pregnancy, and it is normal to question what dental services should be performed when you’re expecting. Dr. Howard Minkoff, the chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, believes that dental X-rays, antibiotics, and local anesthesia are not contraindicated in treatment of pregnant patients. And since 2006, a few state dental organizations have issued guidelines saying that dental care is safe and effective at any stage of pregnancy. This includes diagnostic X-rays, cavity restorations and root canals. This is definitely a shift from what was thought in the past.

            When pregnant, the risk for gingivitis (gum inflammation) is typically a little higher because of a change in hormones. If not properly treated, the gum disease can lead to dental infections and even tooth loss. Just as importantly, there is evidence that a mother with active tooth decay can spread the cavity causing bacteria to hear child and perpetuate poor oral health.

            Finally, we worry that dental pain may cause pregnant women to self-medicate incorrectly. While physicians recommend acetaminophen over ibuprofen for pain control, an overdose of acetaminophen can negatively affect the liver and thus endanger the fetus. There are already enough challenges during pregnancy, and having to deal with dental pain is one more issue that can hopefully be avoided.

            As the shift towards more routine dental care during pregnancy continues, we understand that patients may still continue to have concerns. When in doubt, or if you have a history of other conditions, we will always error on the side of caution and consult with your physician. But we believe that keeping your mouth healthy will help aid in a safe pregnancy for you and your family.

For more questions and answers, check out our FAQ section at www.brownandkupper.com/questions 

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

www.brownandkupper.com

Is My Child Old Enough to Bleach Their Teeth?

            More than ever before, dentists and dental professionals are confronted with questions about teeth bleaching for children and young adults. While opinions may differ, we would like to help educate the parents and the patients of their options when it comes to bleaching their teeth.

            Many parents are concerned with whether or not teeth bleaching effects the strength of the tooth enamel in any way. The active ingredients for bleaching in the United States are typically carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, and neither will weaken the enamel or increase the risk of cavities. However, improper use or too high of concentrations can lead to tooth sensitivity and irritation of the gums. This can be very difficult to predict, but to reduce the risk of these situations; we always recommend consulting with a dental professional before beginning any type of bleaching regiment.

            In younger patients, the nerve inside the tooth is larger and more susceptible to sensitivity. The nerve, or pulp chamber, is typically larger during the teenage years and gradually shrinks as we age. There is no evidence that shows irreversible long-term damage to the pulp chamber when proper bleaching techniques are used, but teenagers have the highest risk of developing sensitivity during and after use of teeth bleaching products.

            So how do you know when or if it is OK for your kid to start using over-the-counter or doctor prescribed teeth bleaching products? Your safest play is to check with your dentist first. They can help with the decision using x-rays and by knowing the particular person’s clinical history. Based on the individual circumstances and knowing the desired results, a personalized plan and timeline can be developed that will reduce the likelihood of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation for the patient.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com/questions.php.  

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

www.brownandkupper.com     

Is Fluoride in Tap Water a Good Idea?

            The Cincinnati Enquirer recently released an article discussing how a Cincinnati charter is reopening a debate on water fluoridation. The article says “A task force revising the Cincinnati city charter uncovered a forgotten provision that may give Cincinnatians a unique voting right to remove the chemical from their water supply.” I am not too familiar with the political system or how this may turn out, but I strongly believe that fluoridation of the water will greatly improve the health of you and your family’s teeth.

            While some may argue against fluoridation for various reasons, there is no arguing against the efficacy or fluoride in the drinking water. The Enquirer goes on to say, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century due to its ability to prevent tooth decay.” Not only is this safe and effective, but it actually saves you money. A lifetime supply of fluoridated water ends up costing less than just one dental filling.

             So what are the arguments against fluoridation of drinking water? Too much of anything can be bad, and too much fluoride during the formative years can actually damage the teeth. But the amount of fluoride required far exceeds anything that could be found in drinking water. There is also a movement to live more natural or holistic and fluoride is another chemical that is added to the system. However, to prevent tooth decay, only one part per million of fluoride is needed. This equates to roughly 1 drop of fluoride per 10 gallons of water.

            From an oral health and an overall health standpoint, keeping fluoride in the water is a great idea. Just a tiny bit can go a long way in limiting tooth decay and in turn prevent infections and abscesses in the mouth.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Does Drinking Water and Staying Hydrated Improve Your Oral Health?

            Over half of out body is composed of water, so it should come as no surprise that staying hydrated can help you stay healthy. Along with everything else, it is vital in keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. During the summer, dehydration can sneak up on you when you are outside enjoying the weather. So it is important to remember to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration, and as an added bonus it will promote good oral health. 

            Water helps to prevent bad breath. We know that one of the most common causes of bad breath is dehydration. When the rest of your body is short on water, you may not have enough saliva in your mouth. And when you run low on saliva, it gives bacteria that cause bad breath the opportunity to thrive and survive.

            Water also helps to prevent cavities. It can help cleanse the teeth of unwanted food remaining after a meal and is a very effective dental tool in assisting to clean your teeth when you don’t have a toothbrush or any other traditional instrument available.  Water will even improve the quality of your saliva. The saliva in your mouth is absolutely critical in your body’s ability to fight tooth decay. Any shortage of your saliva can increase your risk of developing cavities.

            It seems like a simple task to stay hydrated throughout the day, but when you are busy at work or keeping up with your family’s hectic schedule, it is easy to forget about yourself and your water consumption. Making an effort to drink more water will improve your overall health, your energy, and even keep your mouth and teeth much healthier.

If you have any other questions, visit www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Why Should I Use a Custom Fitting Sports Mouth Guard?

            With football, soccer, and other sports starting back up this month, it is a good time to review the importance of your children (or you) wearing mouth guards. Football is a high contact sport and it is logical that participants protect their teeth, gums, and jaw bone from injury. However, sports like soccer, basketball and volleyball can involve high impact collisions, but mouth guards are not yet required. Protecting your children with sports mouth guards lowers the threat of injury to their teeth, and new evidence is suggesting that it may even reduce the risk of concussions.

            A broken or chipped tooth that results from facial trauma can lead to much larger and more expensive issues. If the damage is small enough, a filling can be placed on the tooth to regain its original shape and color. More traumatic injuries may require root canals, crowns or even loss of the tooth. This can cost thousands of dollars and take months to properly fix. And no matter how big or how small, the repaired tooth will never be as strong as the original tooth. Having your dentist custom fit a mouth guard can greatly lower the chances of injuring your teeth without inhibiting your ability to compete. And compared to the over the counter guards, breathing can be markedly easier because you don’t have to worry about holding the guard against your teeth.

            While there is no definitive way to completely eliminate the risk of concussions in contact sports, there is some evidence that suggests a properly fitting mouth guard can help reduce the probability. The logic suggests that the mouth guard limits some of the forces applied to the head and neck during upward contact with the chin. There are no current studies that establish a direct correlation with complete certainty, but the absence of proof is not necessarily proof of absence. And anything we can do to reduce the risk of head injuries is always a good thing.

            Parents will do so many things to protect their kids, and we believe wearing a custom fitted sports mouth guard is an easy step in reinforcing their safety in nearly all sports. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding mouth guards or the differences between custom fitted guards and over the counter mouth guards.

For more information of dental health and ways to help protect your children’s teeth, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Why College Students are at Risk of Cavities?

            Too often we see students return home after year or two away at college with a number of cavities in between their teeth. Many of them don’t have a history of getting tooth decay, so it can definitely be disconcerting. So what happened while they were away that created all of these cavities? Below we will discuss different things to avoid and what your child can do to remain cavity free.

            The most common cause of the increased decay rate is from an increase in sodas and sugary drinks. This includes regular and diet soda, energy drinks, and even sports drinks. It doesn’t typically cause any problems if we occasional enjoy any of these drinks, but instead it is the constant exposure to the sugar or acid on the teeth. Even diligent brushing twice per day can’t eliminate their harmful affect. It is important that students know when they are up later cramming for a test that these beverages can have long term affects. Like anything else, moderation is the key.

            Another common culprit for an increase in cavities are candies, mints, and fruit snacks. Many students will snack on these while studying and the constant exposure of sugar will lead to tooth decay. Once again, brushing cannot reach in between the teeth to completely eliminate the harmful affects of the snacks. I am not suggesting that all of these things need to be completely eliminated, but once again, used in moderation. After a snack or some candy, brushing would be ideal. However, I understand that not everyone is going to bring a toothbrush with them to the library. In those cases, I would recommend at least drinking water to help cleanse the teeth and brush when you return home.

            Hopefully a few minor changes can help limit the risk of cavities that college students face when heading off to school. It is important that they learn these lessons early, otherwise they may have to learn the hard way on summer or holiday breaks.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about you or your child, or visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

What Does the Term ‘UCR’ Really Mean?

             For anyone that has dental insurance, chances are you have seen or are familiar with the phrase Usual and Customary Rate (UCR). Dental insurance companies like to use this term, but what does it mean for the average person and how was this number determined? Our goal is to help you better understand where these numbers come from and how it is applicable to you.

            The reality is there is no such thing as a ‘usual, customary, or reasonable fee.’ This is a hoax that has been created by the insurance companies to impose on dentistry. There is no single number that insurance has arrived upon, rather a range of fees based upon percentiles. Even if an insurance carrier found a way to track every single dentist’s fees in every single zip code, there is no way to place a value of the types of materials or the amount of time given to each procedure. Trying to assign a UCR to a dental procedure would be like assigning a UCR for a cheeseburger whether it is from a fast food restaurant or a high end restaurant. It doesn’t take into account the ingredients, the service, or the quality of preparation and execution.

            The other issue frequently encountered involves the percentage level of coverage your insurance allows. Again, the insurance companies determine their own definition of which fee percentile a procedure may fall into through their own independent research. After the percentages are determined, your employer is offered different options of which fee percentile to purchase. They may choose to only buy up to the 50^th percentile, and thus your out of pocket costs at each visit may go up. Even though some fees may increase over time due to inflation, it is possible additional expense may be incurred if your dental insurance has been adjusted to cover a lower percentile.

            Dental insurance can be very confusing and there are always a lot of differing individual circumstances. We encourage you to call us with any questions you have regarding your current insurance or if you’re ever in the process of picking a new policy through your employer. Hopefully we can help you sort through some of the lingo.

For more information, visit www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.