The True Cost of Soda Many people occasionally enjoy a soda at the movies, while others indulge in a soft drink at every meal. Before you crack open your next can of soda, you may want to learn more about how these bubbly beverages affect your oral health.  The average 12 oz can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. When this sugar interacts with the bacteria in the mouth, it forms an acid that attacks the teeth. Then, it takes approximately 20 minutes after you finish your drink for your mouth to neutralize the acid. Therefore, if you sip on a soda for a few hours, your teeth will be under constant attack. Drinking soda like this often can lead to enamel erosion and cavities.  Erosion: Enamel is the strong outer coating of teeth. Enamel protects your teeth while you bite and chew. However, once the enamel wears away, it cannot grow back, making the teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. The acid your mouth creates from the sugar in soft drinks slowly erodes the enamel leaving the teeth weaker. Plus, most sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, which also cause erosion.  Cavities: Drinking soda regularly puts people at a high risk of tooth decay. People who drink three sodas a day on average have 62% more tooth decay than people who don’t drink soda. Not only does soda weaken the enamel, but it also encourages bacteria growth in your mouth, putting individuals at a higher risk for cavities.  But What About Diet Soda? You may be wondering if diet soda has the same negative effects because it doesn’t have any sugar. Just like regular soda, many diet sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid. To put in perspective how acidic diet soda can be: battery acid has a pH level of 1.0, pure water has a pH level of 7.0, and diet soda can have a pH level as low as 3.0. Frequent exposure to these acidic diet sodas can cause significant damage to your smile over time.  It is best to avoid all soda to keep your smile in tip-top shape. However, if you do choose to treat yourself, follow these easy tips to lessen the negative effects of soda:  Finish It in One Sitting: If you want to indulge in a soft drink, drink the soda fast rather than sipping on it throughout the day to lessen your exposure to the acid and sugar in soda.  Use a Straw: using a straw helps deliver the soft drink to the back of your mouth, which lessens the direct exposure to acid and sugar.  Rinse Mouth Out After: When you finish your soda, wash your mouth out with mouthwash or water. This will rinse away the excess sugar and acid and minimize damage.  Brush Teeth a Half-Hour After You Finish: You may think that brushing your teeth automatically after indulging in a soft drink will prevent any damage to your teeth, but it actually can inflict further damage. Since your teeth are vulnerable after the acid attack from the sugar, the excess friction from brushing your teeth can further hurt the enamel. It is best to wait about 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth. Don’t Consume Before Sleeping: Having a soda before bed will leave sugar on your teeth for hours, providing the perfect opportunity for it to eat away at your enamel. The sugar in the soda may also keep you awake for longer.  Drink With Food: When you eat, you produce more saliva, which will help break down the acid and wash away excess sugar. It is okay to partake in soda every once in a while, but try to avoid drinking soda regularly. Excellent oral hygiene can minimize the harm from soda. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and stay up on your dental cleanings and exams to maintain a healthy smile. Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending

Gum Disease: Causes, Signs & Risks Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It is a chronic infection that damages gum tissue and can potentially destroy the jaw bone. However, since this condition is typically painless, many individuals go years without receiving a formal diagnosis. There is no cure for gum disease, but diligent oral hygiene can stop its progression.  Causes of Gum Disease  Gum disease commonly develops from poor oral hygiene habits that cause plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms when food interacts with the bacteria in your mouth. When plaque sits on the teeth for an extended period of time, it hardens and transforms into tartar.  Professional dental cleanings are the most effective method to remove tartar. Regular brushing and flossing have the power to keep your teeth relatively tartar-free in between cleanings. Although, if tartar stays on the teeth for too long, the bacteria will spread to the gum tissue.  Signs of Gum Disease Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing Swollen or red gums  Gums that are tender to the touch Receding gums  Bad breath  Loose teeth Pain when chewing Teeth fitting together differently than usual If you have symptoms of gum disease, schedule a dental exam. The sooner the condition is addressed, the better! Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is reversible with excellent oral care. However, failing to treat gingivitis can cause it to progress into periodontal disease. This late stage of gum disease can have serious consequences, such as bone and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is also linked to other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, asthma, and kidney disease.  Factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease  Poor oral hygiene Tobacco use  Genetically predisposition  Misaligned teeth that are difficult to clean Pregnancy  Diabetes Certain medications  Forty-seven percent of adults over age 30 in the US have periodontal disease. The condition gets worse over time if it is not addressed. Although a periodontal disease diagnosis doesn’t mean you are doomed to lose any of your teeth. Countless people have stopped the progression of the disease by committing to diligent oral hygiene habits and staying up on recommended dental treatments.  It is crucial to keep up on your dental cleanings and exams. Dentists and hygienists can detect signs of gum disease that often go unnoticed by patients. When gum disease is detected early, we can create a treatment plan to restore your gum health and retain your natural teeth. Healthy gums start at home; dental treatments can only do so much! Commit to brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and floss daily to ensure your smile stays healthy. Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending

Easing Dental Fears Does the thought of going to the dentist make you sweat? Are you putting off dental treatments due to fear? Dental anxiety affects millions of people. One study found that over 60% of individuals struggle with dental fear. However, nerves should never have to stand in the way of a patient receiving critical dental care.  Routine dentistry is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Cavities don’t form overnight; they slowly develop over time. Most patients only need to go to the dentist twice a year for preventive care. However, there is a dangerous misconception that people only need to visit the dentist if they are in pain. Many dental conditions don’t show obvious symptoms when they are first developing. Therefore, when a patient starts experiencing pain, the condition may have already caused irreversible damage and require a complex procedure to fix it. Staying up to date on preventive visits helps your dental team catch harmful oral conditions early while they are simple and affordable to treat.  If it has been over a year since your last dental exam, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. We will do everything in our power to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your visit. In the meantime, try out these simple tips to ease your nerves at your next appointment: Talk to Your Dentist Tell your dentist or hygienist if you are nervous about your appointment or a specific treatment. Awareness of your particular needs will allow your dental team to provide better care to you. You won’t be the first patient who has voiced concern, and your dentist may have even gathered some priceless, insider advice during their career. It helps some patients to ask questions about their procedure. Learning about the treatment process in greater detail can alleviate fear surrounding the unknown. Additionally, ask your dentist if you can have a signal indicating that you would like to take a break during treatment, such as raising your hand.  Bring A Distraction It might seem impossible to distract yourself while in a dental chair. However, simply wearing headphones with relaxing music, your favorite podcast, or even white noise to drain out the sounds of the dental tools can help keep you relaxed. If you prefer to hear what is going on, hold on to a stress ball to squeeze if you start feeling overwhelmed.  Practice Relaxation Techniques The mind is powerful, and shutting off racing thoughts can feel hopeless at times. Numerous research studies indicate that deep breathing exercises are an effective tool to calm an anxious mind. There are various breathing exercises available either online or through professional guidance.  Try out this simple breathing exercise outlined below; it only takes one minute to start promoting relaxation: Breathe in for 4 counts Hold your breath for 7 counts Exhale for 8 counts Dental care is essential at every stage of life. Fear should never be a barrier between you and vital dental treatments. Dentists and hygienists are here to ensure your visit is as painless and stress-free as possible. Voice any concerns you may have with us before your appointment, so we can tailor your treatments to fit your specific needs. Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending

Post-Filling Tooth Pain Filling a cavity is supposed to stop tooth pain, right? But what if you are still experiencing sensitivity after your treatment? Sensitivity is a common side effect of dental fillings that typically alleviates quickly after the procedure. Extreme discomfort is not normal and needs to be addressed by a dental professional promptly. Call your dental provider immediately if you are experiencing severe pain accompanied by fever or swelling after a dental filling treatment.  Dental Fillings 101 Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in dentistry. In this routine treatment, the dentist will inject an anesthetic near the tooth to numb the area. Then, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove any decay present in the area and fill in the carved-out space with a dental restoration material. Fillings can be made of gold, porcelain, amalgam (silver), or tooth-colored composite resin depending on the patient’s budget and aesthetic desires. Sensitivity After a Filling It is common for patients to experience some sensitivity in the area once the anesthetic that was applied before the filling wears off. The sensation is typically described as a sudden rush of pain or cold that subsides quickly. Certain environmental factors are known to trigger or heighten the tooth’s sensitivity.  Common Tooth Sensitivity Triggers Hot, cold, acidic, or sugary foods and beverages Cold air or wind Pressure from biting down or eating  Severe pain is not a typical side effect of dental fillings. If your pain is interfering with your daily life, do not suffer silently. Your pain could be a symptom of a serious condition that needs to be addressed by a dental professional. Although uncommon, extreme discomfort after a filling could be an indication of the following conditions:  Irritated Nerve  A nerve resides in each root of a tooth (unless you had a root canal treatment, which removes the nerves from an infected tooth). Tooth nerves are protected by the hard outer layers of the tooth. However, it is possible for tooth nerves to become irritated or inflamed during filling treatments. This sensitivity will subside as the nerve heals from the trauma. It can take a few days or weeks before the nerve returns completely back to normal.  Incorrect Bite Alignment  Although dentists do their best to make the filling mimic the patient’s natural tooth structure, sometimes the restoration is slightly taller. This extra height isn’t obvious to the naked eye but is significant enough to put additional pressure on the teeth when biting down. The sensitivity caused by the changed bite alignment is typically more intense than general post-filling discomfort.  Patients who are experiencing discomfort while biting down or chewing should contact their dental provider to have their bite examined. Shaving down the high point of the filling alleviates pain for most patients. Pulpitis  Pulpitis is a condition that causes inflammation deep within the pulp of a tooth. Although pulpitis rarely occurs after a routine filling, it can happen. A root canal or tooth extraction are common treatments for this condition.  Pulpitis typically occurs when:  The tooth is severely damaged from trauma The cavity spread to the inner pulp  The tooth has had multiple restorative treatment Allergic Reaction On rare occasions, patients have allergic reactions to filling material. One study found that amalgam material is the most common cause of allergic reactions from fillings. However, patients can react to other materials used in the treatment, such as the latex in the dentist’s gloves.  When to Call Your Dentists Mild sensitivity a few days after a filling treatment is very common. You can often alleviate minor discomfort with over-the-counter medication, home remedies, or desensitizing toothpaste. If your pain interferes with your daily routine, contact your dental provider immediately for guidance.   Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending