CDC Reports Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children:

           Dental sealants are placed over the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Their goal is to protect those surfaces from the start of tooth decay. As soon as the permanent molars erupt, we typically recommend placing sealants. Depending on how susceptible each individual’s teeth are to cavities, we may even recommend sealants on the premolars as they erupt. Below we will discuss some of the advantages of dental sealants.

            ADA News reports that sealants can prevent around 80% of cavities in school aged children. However, 60% of those children did not receive dental sealants according to the CDC. The same report also found that if you did not have sealants, you had 3 times as many cavities as those who did. The resulting dental work totaled around $300 million that could have been prevented had some 7 million low-income children been provided sealants.

Because this is such a large problem, many local organizations have out-reach programs that offer free dental services to underprivileged children. A major focus of these programs is preventative dentistry. Along with fluoride treatments and home care instructions, sealants are an important part in breaking the cycle of early on-set tooth decay.

Are there any concerns or health related consequences with dental sealants? The only concern brought to our attention has been the presence of BPA (bisphenol-A) in the sealants. There is some concern BPA could be related to some health issues. But the ADA states that the potential exposure is minute and less than simply breathing air or handling a receipt. The sealants are made from a similar compound as composite (tooth colored) fillings, and there have not been any side affects to these fillings related to BPA.

Dental sealants are a good option for nearly every child as their permanent molars begin to erupt. They are non-invasive and can greatly reduce the potential for cavities. Be sure to ask us if you have any questions or concerns about your child and sealants.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Antibiotic Overkill

            For many, conventional wisdom tells them to take antibiotics when they don’t feel well. They have been told they can go to the doctor or ‘Little Clinic’ to get a prescription for antibiotics. This will eventually make them feel better. But in many cases the antibiotics are taken after they already feel their worst, and the progression of the illness allows them to start feeling better shortly thereafter. So naturally we credit the medication for curing the ailment. In reality, the body is naturally fighting the disease and curing what ails you. But the whole experience makes you feel the antibiotics were the correct choice.

Why is it a problem to just take antibiotics regardless of the issue?

            Antibiotics are designed to attack bacterial infections, not viral infections. So if you have a cold or the flu, antibiotics will not help you get better. But the more serious issue is what it can do to your health in the long run. By taking antibiotics too frequently, your body can develop immunity to those types of antibiotics. So when an infection arises and those antibiotics are truly needed, they may not be as affective. This can make treatment more difficult and the disease more dangerous.

Some statistics that show how big of a problem antibiotic resistance has become:

• Over 70% of illness causing bacteria are resistant to at least one type of antibiotic.
• It is estimated over 50,000 deaths can be contributed to antibiotic resistance in the US and Europe in 2015.
• If the problem persists, scientists are projecting that number to rise as high as 10 million by 2050.
• The primary reason for this trend is over prescribing antibiotics.

How is this related to dental health?

            Don’t let dental infections grow too large or go too long before treatment. If you wait longer than recommended to treat an abscess then you may need to take even more antibiotics.

With cold and flu season quickly approaching, don’t be surprised if more and more health care professionals are hesitant to prescribe antibiotics if they are uncertain of the underlying problem.   

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

www.DentistWestChester.com.

American Dental Association confirms dental amalgams are safe

            There is much debate concerning the safety of using dental amalgams to restore tooth decay. These fillings are made from a mixture of mercury, silver, and other metals. The obvious concern is over the mercury content. A new study out of the University of Georgia confirms that while these fillings can contribute to higher levels of mercury in the blood, the levels are still well below the established safety thresholds set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lets examine the findings more closely and see how that may affect you and your future dental treatment.

            After examining the findings of this study, the ADA acknowledges while there is a “statistically significant difference in circulating levels of mercury, all the levels observed were within the lower 95% confidence limit set forth as safe by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.” What does this mean? They are basically saying it is not something they are worried about. Even though the levels are slightly higher, it doesn’t appear to affect your overall health.

            What are our thoughts on amalgam fillings? I certainly understand and empathize with the concern over mercury exposure. But if you eat a lot of fish, you are exposing yourself to the potential of elevated mercury levels in your bloodstream. So we obviously do our best to avoid the use of amalgam fillings, but we do not recommend all amalgam fillings be replaced without cause. This causes additional trauma to the tooth which could lead to future sensitivity and more complex treatment.   

            There are a few situations where we may recommend the use of amalgam fillings. It is usually on a back tooth where keeping the area dry and isolated is challenging. Without total isolation from saliva, tooth colored fillings do not last as long. Amalgam fillings work more predictably when dry, but have a better prognosis than tooth colored fillings when saliva contamination is possible.

            If you have any concerns about the type of fillings you already have or will need in the future, your best bet is to have a discussion with your dentist. We can help walk you through the pros and cons of whatever option you are comfortable with.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Self-Repairing Fillings:

            Scientists in London are working on the development and release of a new type of tooth filling. It is known as bioactive glass and is designed to block cavities and repair bacterial damage. The implications of this are exciting because it can help fillings last longer and slow down the spread of cavity around existing fillings.

            The new fillings are made from bioactive glass composites and release fluoride, calcium, and phosphate. These components are all needed to form tooth mineral. This could be really helpful since bacteria can work against your tooth at a microscopic level. So if there is the smallest of openings that cannot be detected visually, it can be a point of entry for a cavity. If the filling materials could help close those microscopic gaps, it could strengthen the filling and make it last longer.

            Another application could be reducing the potential for tooth sensitivity and future root canals after a filling is placed. To remove tooth decay, you have to drill into the tooth and create a clean margin where cavity no longer exists. By doing this you get closer to the nerve of the tooth. If the filling material can help create an additional barrier of new tooth structure between the filling and the nerve, it lessens the chances of sensitivity.

            There hasn’t been much testing on its effectiveness to incipient cavities, but there is hope that these fillings can help stop cavities before they begin to progress too deeply. An incipient cavity is tooth decay that hasn’t yet penetrated the outer tooth layer of enamel. If bioactive glass composites can be placed over the cavity without any drilling in an effort to help heal the tooth, it could make dentistry more proactive and less invasive. 

            We are always looking for a way to be more preventive and less invasive in providing dental care. Advancements like bioactive glass fillings wont be available for a few years, but we are excited about the possibilities they may offer.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Skipping Regular Dental Visits May Affect Your Overall and Dental Health

            Many people see their dentist and dental hygienist more often than their primary care doctor. If you have fairly good oral health, we typically recommend semi-annual professional cleanings and exams. If you have active periodontal disease or a history of periodontal disease, then we may see you even more frequently. But why is it important to stay regular with your dental visits?

            Having your teeth professionally cleaned a few times a year helps to prevent bone loss and gum loss around the teeth. Persistent loss of either can result in pain or even tooth loss. Even if you have excellent home care, there are certain areas that cannot be adequately maintained. For example: many of us build calculus on our lower front teeth. This calculus is a hard collection of bacteria that cannot be brushed or flossed away. If it is not routinely cleaned, it may lead to cavities and gum disease. The dentist or hygienist have specialized instruments that can clean and polish these areas to prevent any unwanted progression.

            During each cleaning appointment, we complete an oral cancer screening. Much like visiting the dermatologist, we look for any areas that may be new or changing. This could be areas that are red, white, or ulcerated. There are some areas you can see and examine at home, but there are a lot of areas that you are unable to identify. If we find an area of concern, we will measure the area and take a picture. A few weeks later we will follow up to see if anything has changed. If we become very suspicious of a particular area, we may refer you to a specialist for a biopsy and diagnosis. Even though these areas are not extremely common, it is important to identify as early as possible to improve the prognosis.

            The most commonly known reason that we recommend frequent visits is to check for tooth decay. The earlier we identify a cavity, the better the prognosis. A small filling can become a really big problem if not addressed quickly. This may lead to bigger fillings, crowns, root canals, or even tooth loss.

            If you have questions regarding how often you should have a professional cleaning and exam, feel free to call us and ask any questions you may have. You can also visit www.dentistwestchester.com for more information.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

E-Cigarettes and your mouth

            E-cigarettes use a battery powered heating element to deliver nicotine and flavorings to the user. It is also commonly known as ‘vaping’. They refer to these as vaping instead of smoking because they produce a vapor instead of burning. They are continuing to gain popularity, especially among the millennial generation. Part of their rise in popularity is because E-cigarettes have been touted as a safer option than traditional cigarettes, and there is some truth to that. However, the long term affects are still mostly unknown.

             One advantage e-cigarettes have over traditional cigarettes is they contain much less nicotine than traditional cigarettes. While that is an obvious advantage, nicotine is still a highly addictive substance in that amount. The side affects that are associated with nicotine use include depression, anxiety, and irritability.

            Traditional cigarettes can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and even lead to oral cancer. E-cigarettes are less likely to cause staining, but the nicotine still has the ability to interfere with your saliva. This can lead to dry mouth, increased bacteria, and increased risk of tooth decay.

            There is also concern that e-cigarettes can serve as a gateway drug to using traditional cigarettes. Many young people perceive e-cigarettes to be much milder and less addictive. However, once they are addicted to the nicotine the potential risk of cigarette use greatly increases.

            While e-cigarettes are likely healthier than traditional cigarettes, I am in no way advocating for their use. There may be some advantages in using them to assist in quitting smoking, but I would recommend talking with your medical doctor before trying anything on your own.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

College students and cavities

            Unfortunately, we have seen college students with a great dental history come home after a few years away at college with some new cavities. So what changed during their time away at school? Let’s look at a few things that can contribute to developing new cavities.

            A common cause of the increased decay rate is from an influx in sodas and sugary drinks. This may include regular soda, diet soda, energy drinks, and even sports drinks like Gatorade. When used in moderation, it is typically not a big problem. But the constant exposure to the sugar or acid will weaken the enamel and result in cavities. Even diligent brushing twice per day can’t eliminate the harmful affect of long term exposure to sugar and acid. This information is important for students know when they are up late cramming for a test. Like anything else, moderation is the key.

            Other issues responsible for an increase in tooth decay are candies, mints, and fruit snacks. Students that snack on these while studying have constant exposure of sugar. This repeated exposure will lead to tooth decay. Unfortunately, brushing cannot reach between the teeth to eliminate all of the harmful affects of the sugary snacks. I am not recommending that all of these snacks should be completely removed from you diet. Once again, it is all about moderation. Following a snack or candy, finding a way to brush would be ideal. However, it is understandable that everyone isn’t going to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with them to the library. So if you are unable to brush, I recommend drinking water to help cleanse the teeth or chewing sugar free gum. Then be sure to brush when you get home.

            We hope a few minor changes can make a big difference. Our goal is to educate students early so they don’t have to learn the hard way!

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

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.