Atlantic Ave Magazine - January 2017 Issue

►
health & beauty ║ Your Dental Health
Let’s Work to Keep Your
Teeth for a Lifetime
BY Craig Spodak, DMD, PA
{
Start 2017 with a happy,
healthy smile
With advancements in dental technology
and consistent at-home regimens, Americans
are keeping their teeth longer than ever before.
Now that’s something to smile about!
Because we are keeping our teeth even longer,
it’s even more important to visit your
dentist regularly to avoid any complications
that might arise. But, not to fret, there is a fix
for everything!
Tooth Decay: Regardless of your age, your
teeth are still susceptible to cavities, and even
increases as you get older. You can get cavities
on the surfaces of teeth that have never
been a problem before, and you can also get
them around old fillings or at the root of your
tooth as it becomes softer and more exposed.
Regular brushing and flossing never goes out
of style, so ensure you continue these healthy
habits regardless of age.
The Fix: It’s as simple as fluoride. Fluoride
is one of the 10 great public health achievements
of the 20th Century. Roughly 80 percent
of people in the United States have
fluorinated water, but that only benefits children’s
developing teeth. As such, consider
adding a daily fluoride supplement, such as
a rinse of gel, and be sure to request fluoride
treatments at your dental appointments.
Professional fluoride varnish application by
your dentist or hygienist is by far the most
52 January 2017 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com
effective cavity prevention.
Dry Mouth: Saliva is the mouth’s best
defense against tooth decay, but, as we go
through life, we produce less. Add medications
to that, and many people have reduced
saliva, placing them at increased risk for
tooth decay.
The Fix: If you suffer from dry mouth, try
to stimulate saliva production by drinking
water regularly throughout the day or even
chew sugar-free xylitol candies or gum. Your
dentist may prescribe a prescription saliva
substitute or recommend over-the-counter
formulations for you to try.
Gum Disease: If you notice that your
gums are red, swollen and bleed easily when
brushing or flossing, there’s a good chance
you have gingivitis, which is an early form of
gum disease. In America, roughly 50 percent
of people over the age of 30 suffer from gingivitis.
Untreated gingivitis often progresses
to infect the bone that supports your teeth.
The Fix: See your dentist regularly because
there is hope! Gingivitis is completely
reversible with good dental care. You may
need to visit your dentist and hygienist
more often so that your teeth and gums can
be cleaned and treated.
Oral Cancer: Almost 50,000 Americans
will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year,
so please quit smoking and reduce alcohol
consumption. Oral cancer incidence definitely
increases as your get older so pay attention
to your oral care and make sure you are visiting
your dentist and hygienist regularly.
The Fix: Only about half of the people who
develop oral cancer survive, so the best hope
is early diagnosis. Your dental exam should
include a check for oral cancer where your
dentist or hygienist will hold your tongue
and check the soft tissue in your mouth as
well as your throat and jaw.
Tooth Crowding: You might notice that
food is more often getting stuck between
your teeth, or a minor overlapping is more
noticeable, and you’re probably right. Teeth
shift more as you age and that can be problematic
because it makes your teeth more
difficult to clean and floss, which leads to
more decay. Also, shifting teeth can lead to
chipping and cracking, as well as causing
damage to supporting tissue and bone.
The Fix: If your teeth have shifted, you
could be a candidate for Invisalign, which
is the best way to move teeth without metal
braces. Invisalign will help get your teeth back
where they belong, and allow you to shine
your straight, healthy smile for years to come.
Grinding and Clenching: Grinding and
clenching occurs in your deepest sleep, so
most of us aren’t even aware we are doing
it. It causes damage to teeth, gums and bone,
and can lead to shifting, fractures and tooth
loss, as well as facial pain and headaches.
The Fix: Your dentist is able to give you a
night guard that you can wear at night to protect
your teeth while you sleep. Just pay attention
to any grinding and clenching that you
might be doing throughout the day and let your
dentist know if your habits are getting worse.
Your dentist’s goal is to help you keep your
teeth for a lifetime so if you have any questions
about the state of your smile, just go in
for a visit so your dentist can help you reach
your dental health goals. Your dentist is your
smile advocate so here’s to a healthy and
happy 2017 and beyond!
Spodak Dental Group
3911 West Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach - 561-498-0050
www.SpodakDental.com