Which Toothpaste Should You Use?

The Toothpaste aisle can be overwhelming. So many brands claiming to whiten your teeth, reduce sensitivity, tartar, or gingivitis…how do you know what is the best for you?

Let’s break it down, first: Brand Name. I do not put emphasis on any one brand of toothpaste, I do however look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance located on the box it’s packaged in. Next, I listen to my oral health provider at maintenance appointments to find out what challenges I have to overcome. Such as, ‘Do I have a significant amount of tartar buildup?’ Then a tartar control toothpaste would be advantages. ‘Do I have a lot of sensitivity going on?’ Then I would try a toothpaste focused on sensitivity. Gingivitis toothpaste may be helpful if bleeding hot-spots are a problem from time to time. Whitening toothpaste will help with outside existing stains on teeth, such as coffee, tea, and tobacco. Keep in mind whitening toothpaste limits how white you actually should expect your teeth to get.

Toothpaste is meant to aid in cleaning your teeth, not curing problems you should be seeing your dentist about. Bottom line, you should use a toothpaste that tastes good to you, has an ADA Seal, and fits your budget.

Happy brushing!

~Lynne

Why are my teeth yellow?

   Teeth come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. Teeth get there color from the enamel and dentin in each tooth. Enamel and dentin surround the pulp chamber protecting the nerves and blood vessels. Enamel is much lighter in color more of an off white and dentin darker more of a yellow color. Enamel is seen sticking out of the gums and only covers the top portion of the tooth. The root is the bottom part of the tooth and should be covered by the gums. Thus, the roots of teeth do not have any enamel covering them so this part will never be "white" only the top part where the enamel is. Furthermore, enamel is hard and porous like stone. Teeth stains are classified 2 ways intrinsic and extrinsic. First, intrinsic stains are trapped inside the enamel. In early development of the tooth, medication may have been given or a serious illness may have forever changed the color of the teeth. Next, diet choices such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark condiments effect the color of teeth, as well as, iron deposits in home water supplies, inconsistent oral care both at home and professionally. Smoking stains teeth both intrinsically and extrinsically. Furthermore, extrinsic stains though unsightly are easier to treat. These stains lay on the outer surface of the enamel. A few examples are cola's, tea, coffee, smoking, and some mouthwash. Extrinsic stains can become intrinsic if not properly cleaned with a professional cleaning. In Addition, the lack of enamel can make teeth look yellow. The thinning of enamel makes the underlying dentin show through, since this dentin layer is much darker in color the result is yellower teeth. Acid erosion is the greatest cause of thinning enamel. Acids in our diet include pop, energy drinks, coffee, tea, candy, fruit, and vinegar dressings to name a few. Stomach acids from Gerd, reflux, or an eating disorder could also cause thinning enamel. Finally, older adults teeth usually are much more yellow in color. Consequently, many years of acids thinning the enamel, consuming dark colored foods and beverages, and a bad habit or two along the way it isn't any surprise. If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, please call us for a consultation we would be happy to discuss your options for a brighter whiter smile:)

Laser Bacterial Reduction - Now available during your regular cleaning and perio maintenance appointments!

Here at Envision Dental we are constantly learning and striving to advance the standard of patient care in our practice. As such, we have recently added a new procedure available at your routine cleaning to help fight periodontal disease.     

     

         Laser Bacterial Reduction is now available at your cleaning and perio maintenance appointments. Laser Bacterial Reduction removes the bacteria that causes periodontal disease. We now know that the bacteria and inflammation that is present in periodontal disease is linked to a number of other diseases such as:

·       Cardiovascular Disease

·       Diabetes

·       Rheumatoid Arthritis

·       Kidney Disease

·       Preterm/low birth weight babies

·       Respiratory Infection

          Laser Bacterial Reduction decreases the amount of bacteria that may enter the bloodstream during the cleaning process. Also, Laser Bacterial Reduction prevents the harmful bacteria from spreading around from tooth to tooth. Laser Bacterial Reduction only takes a few minutes, is painless, and with no side effects to worry about. The laser decontamination process normally takes about 5 – 10 minutes. We highly recommend that you take advantage of this service as part of your routine cleaning. Laser Bacterial Reduction is $30.00 and is not covered by insurance. Unfortunately insurance coverage is almost always behind the leading edge in high tech health care.

Tell Lynne at your next hygiene appointment if you would like to add Laser Bacterial Reduction to your appointment! ~