13 July 2010
Q: Can tongue piercing cause dental problems?
A: When jewelry is inserted through the tongue, lip, or
cheek, infection is possible. If the metal is not pure, an
allergic reaction may also occur. The barbell end of the
jewelry pierced through oral soft tissue can be removed but
it is usually worn permanently.
This can lead to chipped teeth, cracked teeth, difficulty
eating, and difficulty speaking. If the jewelry were to
break loose, it could be swallowed or...
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13 July 2010
Q: I have a bad case of acne. After several medications were
unsuccessful, my dermatologist suggested that I schedule a
dental exam. He said cavities may fuel my acne infection.
How can this be?
A: An abscessed or decayed tooth may contribute to acne.
Dermatologists described a patient who had acne outbreaks
that did not respond to traditional medications (Boyd et al.
1999). However, the acne disappeared after the patient had
an abscessed tooth removed. This cycle of...
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13 July 2010
Q: Do you have any information about the dangers of chewing
tobacco? How do I teach my sons that chewing tobacco is
harmful when their favorite baseball players chew?
A: Numerous studies have shown that dipping snuff or
chewing tobacco can lead to oral cancer. Oral cancer, if
left unchecked, can be fatal. This is why oral cancer
screenings should be part of every routine dental
examination. An oral cancer screening is quick, easy, and
painless. It is...
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13 July 2010
Q: Is saliva really important?
A: Unfortunately, saliva is often associated with socially
unacceptable habits like drooling or spitting. A recent
library search for "saliva chemistry" referenced S.P.I.T.
(Supporters of Politically Incorrect Topics). Saliva is
rarely discussed and often taken for granted. Now it's time
to set the record straight. Saliva is important to your
health!
Without this clear alkaline secretion, your speech would be
impaired, your food would be tasteless, and your general
health would decline. You would also...
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13 July 2010
Q: Are athletic mouthguards really useful?
A: Jaw injuries, tooth trauma, and concussions can be
drastically reduced when a properly designed custom
mouthguard is worn. Dental trauma is a common type of facial
injury suffered during sporting events.
A custom athletic mouthguard is an excellent investment in
your child's health and safety. After all, it usually costs
thousands of dollars to treat broken, chipped, or knocked
out teeth. A custom mouthguard, on the other hand, costs
about the same...
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13 July 2010
Q: I have been taking Prozac for about a year. My physician
said that I should see my dentist regularly while I take
this medication. Can Prozac cause cavities?
A: Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a medication used
to treat depression by inhibiting serotonin uptake. Today,
psychiatrists are treating more young, active, people who
are burdened with anxieties. Prozac is effective in treating
mild and severe depression. Prozac increases concentration,
energy, and mental acuity. However, this commonly prescribed
medication has...
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13 July 2010
Q: Can a dental laser and bleach remove tetracycline stains
from teeth?
A: I am not convinced that this technique is more effective
or efficient at removing tetracycline stains than
traditional dental methods. It is too early for me to
confidently recommend this approach. Custom bleaching trays
are probably your best choice to lighten teeth. These trays
are much safer than using the over-the-counter bleaching
kits sold in many drug stores. Bleaching trays also cost
significantly less than using...
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13 July 2010
Q: Can you tell me about the composition of our teeth?
A: The outer layer of tooth structure in the crown of the
tooth, enamel, is the hardest structure in any mammal which
has teeth.
It is a highly mineralized crystalline structure, about
95%-98% inorganic matter by weight. Hydroxyapatite, the
largest mineral constituent, is about 90%-92% of this
inorganic matter. Other minerals and trace elements are
contained in small amounts. The remaining amount of enamel
is about 1% organic...
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13 July 2010
Q: I am 15 years-old. I have a space between my two front
teeth. Do you believe there is still a chance that my teeth
will grow back together on their own?
A: At this point in your development, it is unlikely the
space (i.e. diastema) between your front teeth will close by
itself.
There is a time, usually about the age of 8 or 9 years,
when a gap is initially present but may later close...
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13 July 2010
Q: Why should I choose Invisalign over the traditional
choice of braces?
A: The clear aligners used are almost invisible as
opposed to the the wires, brackets, and bands of
traditional braces. With Invisalign, there are no
dietary restrictions and normal oral hygiene is much easier
than with the traditional braces.
Q: Where is Invisalign available?
A: Invisalign is available with many general dentists and
most orthodontists. I would encourage patients to check
with their general dentist to see if...
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