Laser Cavity Detection

If you have you ever gone to the dentist and had him find a cavity that wasn't seen just 6 months ago and when it was filled the cavity was quite large then you are really going to love this. The 1-2 combination of our Diagnodent laser cavity detector and our low-radiation x-ray system allows us to find cavities before they get big. This saves you not only time and money, but can also save your teeth from large fillings, root canals and crowns.

Diagnodent Laser Cavity Detection Unit

How does the Diagnodent work?
The Diagnodent is a pen-like probe that sends a safe, painless laser beam into the tooth and checks its health. A number scale and an alarm will signal when there are signs of hidden decay.

The above picture shows how the Diagnodent can find cavities that other dental instruments can miss

How come my dentist could not find my cavity until it was large?

With the widespread use of fluoride in both drinking water and toothpastes, it is much harder to detect tooth decay than ever before. This is because the fluoride hardens the enamel so that most decay starts in microscopic defects in the hard surface, and can readily spread into the softer surface beneath. This destroys the tooth from the inside out. The Diagnodent allows us to determine if decay is lurking beneath the apparently healthy tooth surface.

Can you use tooth colored (white) fillings in my teeth?
Absolutely!!! As a matter of fact we only place tooth colored fillings in teeth since these not only look better, but also are stronger and smaller than silver fillings. This is because tooth colored fillings are bonded in and actually help hold the remaining parts of the tooth together. Silver on the other hand is merely wedged in and does nothing to help strengthen the tooth.

White (colored) fillings vs. silver fillings

http://www.sixmonthbraces.com/lasercavitydetection.htm

Vail Daily: Monday Health Tips

Why Am I Anxious in the Dental Office?

People are anxious about going to the dentist for different reasons, including worrying about the effectiveness of localized anesthetic and feeling like the dentist is rushed or is neglecting your concerns. Other factors include anticipation of pain, the cost of the procedure, past experiences and even the sterile smell of the dental office. Interrupting the normal day's routine to visit the dentist also is a factor in general anxiety. If not addressed, dental anxiety can lead to unnecessary oral health problems as a result of avoiding the dentist, which in turn can end up leading to much more time spent in the dental chair when treatment is the only option.


If you are looking for a dentist, ask friends and relatives for recommendations. A glowing review from someone you trust about a dentist can significantly reduce anxiety. You can also find a dentist by calling the Academy of General Dentistry's toll-free service 1.877.2X.A.YEAR (1.877.292.9327). Give the operator your ZIP code and you'll receive the names of three Academy members in your area.

If you are seeing a new dentist for the first time, schedule an appointment for a visit. Take the opportunity to ask this dentist a few questions, and be sure to address your concerns. You'll find that dentists who take the time to speak with you about these matters will be understanding when it comes to addressing your fears.

KnowYourTeeth.com

FISH OIL CAN FIGHT DENTAL DISEASE

The discovery of a new natural weapon against dental disease has been welcomed by the UK's leading oral health information charity. Following a five-year study involving elderly participants in Japan, fish oil has been found to help combat mouth infection and boost oral health in the process.

Dental examinations revealed that a lack of the essential omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil in people's diets had strong links with the progression of periodontal (gum) disease.

The new findings, recently published in the Nutrition journal, also revealed that omega-3 fatty acids were strongly effective against a range of oral bacteria.

This news comes in light of similar findings from a US National Institute for Health-sponsored study. Lead author Dr C.B. Huang, from the Oral Health Research Centre at the University of Kentucky's College of Dentistry, commented on the dental health benefits of fish oil.

"The anti-bacterial part of the omega-3 fatty acids could be very important. Certainly, it could be a potential new use of omega-3 fatty acids in the future."

Following these recent journal* findings, Dr. Huang confirmed that ongoing research into anti-bacterial activity would include investigating products such as chewing gum.

In light of the news of these beneficial oral health effects, the British Dental Health Foundation Chief Executive, Dr. Nigel Carter BDS LDS (RCS), commented: "These findings illustrate how the consequences of our diet can be linked to gum disease, the most common dental hygiene issue.There are hundreds of bacteria in our mouths at any one time that contribute to gum disease, which not only threatens tooth loss but, significantly, overall health.

"A healthy mouth can lead to a healthy body so a good oral healthcare routine, including brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and making regular visits to the dentist are just as important as a healthy, balanced diet."

With evidence of a poor diet linked to a third of all cancer cases, Dr. Carter also stressed: "Eating fish can help lower the risk of cancer, as can an increase in eggs, fruit and vegetables."

The Foundation encourages members of the public with any concerns about the effects of their diet on their teeth to contact the National Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188.

Self–examination is another simple way of looking after yourself. The Foundation, who run a Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign each November, encourage all members of the public to check their mouths regularly for ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps and swellings in the mouth and neck.

*Source: Molecular Oral Microbiology, Volume 25 Issue 1, pages 75-80 "A novel bioactivity of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their ester derivatives" Authors: C.B. Huang, J.L Ebersole

Early Start is Best Practice

Dental health affects children very early in their life – perhaps earlier than you would suspect. Research has shown a relationship between a mother’s dental health and the baby’s birth. The baby’s primary and permanent teeth begin their development in the womb. Also, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, women with gum disease or tooth infections may be seven times more likely to have their babies too early and with low birth weight.

Beyond birth, cavity-causing bacteria can be spread to babies and children. Unknowingly, parents can "infect" their babies with tooth bacteria from their own saliva when kissing or sharing food, on silverware or tooth brushes. This shows the importance for parents to have a healthy mouth, reducing the risk of transferring the bacteria that causes tooth decay to their child.

General health is linked to dental health – in children and adults. In children, any dental decay or pain can cause problems when eating, speaking, with self-esteem, and other daily activities. Severe decay can also affect growth and development. Dental pain can hinder learning when pain may cause an inability to concentrate in school. When kids have a healthy mouth, they are more confident in their appearance.

Prevention and early intervention is always best and are the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health! Being preventive can result in less expense and reduce the amount of treatment needed. Preventive dentistry begins with the very first tooth. Once the first tooth erupts, parents should start daily cleanings. A dental home should be established no later than 12 months of age. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and helping your child build a cavity-free smile. Consider the positive effects of having the child comfortable and confident when going to the dentist.

Visiting the dentist regularly will help your child stay cavity-free. Food and bacteria build up in the crevices within the mouth, placing your child in danger of tooth decay. Teeth cleanings allow for debris to be removed from the teeth, which can irritate the gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque from the natural pits and grooves on teeth, thus reducing the risk of decay. Hygiene instructions improve your child's brushing and flossing, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

After a general dentist or pediatric dentist has completed a thorough oral examination, they can design a preventative program for home care and educate both you and your child. A good home care program includes brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling and, if necessary, fluoride recommendations. By following these recommendations, you can help give your child a lifetime of healthy dental habits and smiles.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This is the first is a series of four articles that will help raise community awareness about the importance of oral health in kids. Dr. David Maloley is the owner of Vail Valley Dental Care in Avon. For more information call 970.949.3331 or visit www.vailvalleydentist.com

Local Event Highlights Disadvantaged Children’s Need for Dental Care

Avon, CO. – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. For 60 years the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored the month to raise awareness among families and policymakers about the importance of children to have good oral health habits.

On Feb. 5 an estimated twenty local children in great need of dental care will receive free services ranging from cleanings and exams to fillings and extraction of infected teeth as part of the ADA’s annual Give Kids A Smile® program. These children were selected through referrals from school nurses. Vail Valley Dental Care will host the event with support from Beaver Creek Endodontics in Edwards and Castle Peak Dentistry in Eagle.

Last year, more than 44,650 dental team members nationwide participated in the Give Kids A Smile®. There is also generous corporate support for the program. Companies, such as Colgate, provided more than $2.8 million in products for the 2009 event.

“It’s heartbreaking to see a child’s smile destroyed by severe tooth decay,” said Dr. David Maloley, owner of Vail Valley Dental Care. “Many children are unable to pay attention in school, eat, or sleep because they have multiple toothaches. It also can have a dramatic negative effect on self-esteem”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children aged 2–5 and half of those aged 12–15. About two-thirds of children aged 12–19 from low income families have had decay. While poor diet and oral hygiene certainly pay a role, cavities are actually caused by an infectious disease called caries, which is five times more common than asthma.

Public health programs such as Medicaid are supposed to help underserved children, but utilization rates are low. In Eagle County, Medicaid-eligible children who utilize their dental benefits are less than 25 percent.