Dr Matt Burton DDS

I used to drink a lot of soda but recently switched to diet soda to avoid sugar. Why am I still getting so many cavities?

The sugar in soft drinks combines with the bacteria in your mouth to create acids responsible for tooth decay. However, many sugar free drinks are highly acidic and still very dangerous to your teeth. Acids are often used for flavoring and easily dissolve teeth. Sports drinks and energy drinks are also common culprits. Try using a straw while drinking to reduce contact with your teeth. Also, don’t sip it slowly over time.  Swish with water and try chewing sugar-free gum or mints rather than brushing afterwards. Brushing with acid in your mouth can actually cause more extensive damage.

An oldie but a goodie—Here’s a post we still refer to all the time from 2009!

What causes tooth hypersensitivity?

Teeth are sensitive for a lot of reasons, but the most common is root sensitivity.  This is called hypersensitivity because the reaction is over-exaggerated and the area is free from cavities or other stimulating factors.   This is caused when small openings in the root called dentin tubules are irritated (often by cold or touch) and send a pain message to the nerve of the tooth.  Sensitivity toothpastes with fluoride and in office treatments of silicate fluorides are used to bind to these openings and prevent the pain from occurring. 

Whitening can aggravate hypersensitivity during treatment but is typically short term.   Using a lower concentration of gel or whitening for a shorter time (30 minutes instead of an hour) can decrease discomfort and allow you to still whiten.  However, if the sensitivity is extreme enough, whitening may not be possible until it is under control.

Are you a cardiac patient?  Do you take an antibiotic before receiving dental treatment?  Five years ago the recommendations changed drastically and many people were taken off the pre-med regimin.  Here’s why we recommend it—and when we don’t:

Infective endocarditis.  It’s a nasty little infection of the vessels in your heart and can be quite dangerous.  Bacteria can be dumped into the bloodstream during dental procedures and like to stick to artificial heart valves, certain heart defects, and heart transplants.   However, some hearts are susceptible to this kind of infection even without any of these obvious predisposions, so the pre-med is recommended for anyone who has contracted this kind of infection before.   People who fall under any of these categories are considered high risk for endocarditis. 

We no longer recommend pre-medication for those who fall under moderate risk, firstly, because the risk of creating super-bugs by over prescribing antibiotics continues to grow and, secondly, because evidence of efficacy (or how effective antibiotics are at preventing endocarditis) continues to be unclear.  We know it reduces the amount of bacteria in the bloodstream but the evidence is still a bit hazy.

If your doctor has recommended a pre-medication of anti-biotics, they should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before your appointment.  However, the American Heart Association states that if it was neglected before the appointment, it can be administered up to two hours after the procedure.

Can “dry mouth” effect your health?

Having a dry mouth is a bigger problem than you might think.  It can be uncomfortable and lead to serious health problems.  If you lack adequate saliva, you are more prone to gum disease, oral yeast infections and cavities.  Dry mouth can also lead to difficulties is speaking, tasting and chewing.  It can be a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes or Sjogrens and is a common side effect of radiation treatment.  If you experience a dry, burning, sticky or cracked mouth or lips, discuss possible treatment options with your physician and dentist. 

“If you are looking for a great dentist in the Briargate area…look no more!!”

—Marla M.  Colorado Springs, CO

What are dental implants and how good are they?

Modern dental implants are a great alternative to older traditional methods of replacing teeth. A hole the size of the implant is drilled into bone and the titanium implant is placed directly into the bone.  The implant ‘integrates’ when the bone grows together with implant surface, creating a rock-solid anchor on which a tooth can be built or a framework for a denture to adhere to.  Implants are very successful in healthy patients and are generally easier to clean around than bridges or partial dentures.

My friend told me he started using smokeless tobacco to quit smoking. He said that it was much safer than smoking. Is this true?

Because smokeless tobacco has higher nicotine content it is actually more dangerous and addicting than cigarettes. One can of smokeless tobacco has as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. Research has shown that smokeless tobacco also puts you at a 50% greater risk to develop oral cancer over a non-user. Other risks include receding gums, decay and stain. I would not recommend using smokeless tobacco to quit smoking, especially since there are so many other great options for assistance. For more information on smoking cessation, check our website or call the Colorado Quit Line 800.639.QUIT

What is plaque? Is it the same as tarter(aka calculus)?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that adheres to teeth.  A soft toothbrush and floss removes plaque and other debris from the teeth and gums. Plaque then combines with minerals in the saliva and forms hard cemented tarter.  Once tarter forms on the teeth, it is tough, strongly attached and cannot be removed by brushing alone.  Regular professional cleanings are necessary to remove this tarter because it can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.

As a tribute to the last and final Harry Potter movie being released on video, we thought we’d pass along the cool dental makeover of a certain Harry Potter character!  None other than Mr. Neville Longbottom (aka actor Matthew Lewis).

Before…

After…

He looks great, yes?  This looks like it was achieved with some quick orthodontics and whitening (also: shaving to a stubble, toning up a bit, and styling your hair cool…)  Another method, however, is orthodontics and/or veneers.  Taking the least invasive approach is preferred if you can get a good result.  Regardless, I’m pretty sure he’s not complaining.

Maria RDH

P.S.  Matthew debuted his new look at the premier of the last Harry Potter movie.   I’ll bet he wasn’t allowed to change it until the filming was complete.