Act fast
The sooner you get to stains, the less likely they are to stick. “The tannins and polyphenols in foods such as coffee, tea, marinara sauce and red wine adhere to the surface of your tooth in under an hour,” cautions Jonathan Levine, D.D.S., founder of GoSmile, a dental-products company in New York City. Combined with plaque, which can trap dark pigments and harden into tartar in 8 to 24 hours, stains will become increasingly tougher to tackle over time, so break out the toothbrush as soon as possible after eating culprit foods.

Chew on this
No brush? No biggie. In a pinch, any gum that’s sugar-free (an absolute must for dodging tooth decay) can help keep your pearly whites gleaming. “Both whitening and regular gums work on the same principle—saliva flows over your teeth, flushing away stains,” says Lana Rozenberg, D.D.S., founder of the Dental Day Spa in New York City. Even rinsing with a swig of water or chomping on some crudités does the trick; heavy chewing generates saliva. But make sure you stick with non-sugary options. Sorry, trick-or-treaters, that means caramel chews and nougats don’t count.

Make fluoride your friend
Don’t count on a whitening toothpaste alone to safeguard your smile; it doesn’t have a high enough concentration of peroxide or stay in contact with teeth long enough, according to Debra Glassman, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist in New York City. Abrasive ingredients like silica or baking soda in whitening pastes gently polish away surface stains caused by foods, but a whitening toothpaste that also contains fluoride is your best bet; it helps strengthen the tooth’s enamel, which is more porous after bleaching. This will also soothe sensitivity and prevent stains and plaque from ruining your smile, Dr. Glassman says.

Brush up on brushing
While most of us probably abide by the twice-a-day mandate, a cursory 30-second cleaning isn’t really cutting it to rid teeth of plaque or bacteria that stain enamel. You actually need to brush for a full two minutes—and cover the entire terrain. “Think of your mouth as divided into quadrants,” Dr. Levine suggests. Then brush each one (upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left) for approximately 30 seconds. But be careful not to overdo it: Scrubbing teeth too vigorously and for too long, especially if you use a hard-bristled brush, can wear away the enamel. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled brush (replace it every three or four months), and keep an eye on the clock. You’ll be able to give all your teeth equal attention, so choppers stay spotless. Now, if only keeping the kitchen clean were this easy.

Dental crowns differ from veneers in that a veneer only covers the front of a tooth, while a crown covers the entire tooth, thus offering more protection.

In the past, most dental crowns were made of metal materials. These metal materials often discolored the gum area around the crown and were quite obvious in a person’s mouth.

Advantages of Dental Crowns:
• Dental crowns are made to match the color of your teeth
• They are very natural looking
• Comfortable and safe

Uses of Dental Crowns:
• Offer support to a tooth with a large filling
• Protect a weak tooth from further damage and breaking
• Restore a broken or cracked tooth
• Cover a badly discolored or misshapen tooth
• Cover a dental implant

Types of Dental Crowns:
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• All-porcelain

Porcelain-fused-to-metal are very strong and durable crowns. All-porcelain crowns are thinner and suitable for areas of the mouth that are not used as frequently in biting and chewing.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Dental Crown?
Getting a crown usually requires two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will make impressions, or molds, of the tooth that is to be covered by the crown.

The tooth is fitted with a temporary crown between visits while the new crown is being constructed. Any decay is removed from the affected tooth. It is then accurately shaped to fit the new crown.

During the second appointment, the tooth is cleaned and fitted with the new crown.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. With the right kind of care, they can last indefinitely. Proper care involves regular checkups and exams as well as keeping the crown clean and free of plaque by practicing good oral hygiene habits.

Kavita,
 
You certainly speak for us all about how generous Scott was with his time, knowledge and energy. It is always so refreshing to see both humility and excellence in an individual and he certainly is a fine example of that combination. We are lucky to have had him speak at a DSCCD meeting and I hope that we have another occasion to host him.
 
It is very gratifying for both Raj and myself to see DSCCD grow into a place where quality minded professionals get together and learn- not just about dentistry but about life in general as well. That was the vision and mission. You add grace and class to the study club and hopefully will be a big part of our future growth and development.
 
And yes, we could’nt do it without Lydia. She’s the best.
 
Thank you for your feedback,
 
Have an awesome weekend!
Sunita

Dr. Sunita Merriman was recently voted as one of NJ’s Top Dentists in 2010!

Because periodontal disease can creep up slowly over time, it has been called the silent killer of teeth. A thorough periodontal health screening can detect any active disease or problems with the health of your gums. It is important to address these issues as early as possible to reduce the amount of damage done to the health of your teeth and gums.

If you have periodontal disease, there are steps that your dentist can take to educate you and help you find a pathway to healthier oral hygiene practices. Sometimes they might use in-office treatments, different medications, and enhanced oral hygiene skills, including educating the patient to help stop the periodontal infection from getting worse.

Following an in-office oral exam, the dentist can set up a regimen that will help the patient maintain healthy teeth and gums. The condition of your gums not only can affect the beauty of your smile, but it can also affect your overall health. Periodontal infection must be treated and managed using the latest techniques to control your periodontal health.

Some things, such as pregnancy, aging, certain medical conditions and other factors can play a role in the condition of your teeth. Regular dental visits can help with early detection or changes in the health of your teeth and gums. The earlier a potential problem can be discovered, the easier it will be to come up with a treatment plan that is right for the patient.

Dentists recognize that prevention can play a huge role in a patient’s oral health. By calling Dr. Finlay’s office, you can schedule an appointment and learn more about their state of the art periodontal maintenance programs. By learning new ways of taking care of the health of your teeth and gums, you can be assured that you have a healthy smile that lasts for years to come.

“This was my first time having Candy as my hygienist (ever or in a long time? – that I can remember) and I really enjoyed her. She was efficient, thorough and gentle. And not overly chatty! Thank you.
    March Bishop

“Your Dentist office is exceptional. I am always impressed by the professionalism, cleanliness, and aesthetically pleasing environment. It is quite evident that your staff anticipates the needs of your patients. I particularly like the fact that you are prevention focused. On more than one occasion I have had my blood pressure checked in your office. This is health care at its best…integrating health promotion into your specialty practice. I am also impressed by the up to date, current knowledge of your staff. Again, thank you for keeping your office in such wonderful condition and for your expertise.”
    Kim Stauffer

“Candy is the best. She does an outstanding job. Mary and Connie are also extremely helpful and go out of their way to resolve any issues.”
    Scott Priebe

“I’ve found everyone on your staff to be friendly, courteous, and very professional. I’ve been a patient for close to two years now, and I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else! I really like everyone there, and its always a good experience.”
    Tony Hawkins

“As always, great to be greeted by name by all the people at your office. I feel my family and I are not just patients but friends also.”
    Cecilia Flores

“Each person I met during my visit was professional and friendly. I appreciated the atmosphere of the office.”
     Janet Loveless

“Team Finlay constantly exceeds expectations in every way, from the greeting from Mary and Connie to their goodbyes. And Dr. Finlay had me at “hello”.”
     Martha Coster

“Candy is amazing. I have always appreciated her friendship, her kindness and professionalism over the years. Dr. Dan is wonderful too! Did I mention the office staff…I love you too!”
     Sandi Reiger Stultz

“Being in the military I have had my teeth worked on all over the world. I can honestly say your office is the cleanest and friendliest office I have ever used. Dr. McLellan explained everything so thoroughly, and at a level I could understand that is the most comfortable I have ever felt in the dentist chair. Thank you again for a great visit, my family and I will be using this office only for our dental needs.”
     Richard Romanowski

“Excellent, most friendly, and very pleasant. Thank you so much!”
     Rev. Stephen Gosnell

“Candy continues to do a terrific job and really cares. She’s a great asset!”
     Skid Heyworth

“Pleasant visit as always. Very professional and efficient. Thanks.”
     Leo Wilson

At the same time, the Environmental Protection Agency is announcing that it will study the issue of fluoride in water, based on a 2006 report from the National Academy of Sciences that questioned whether the EPA’s current maximum allowable level of fluoride in water—4 ppm—should be reduced. The EPA announcement does not question the safety of optimal water fluoridation.

That said, government officials anticipate some public confusion over fluoridation safety. HHS has asked the ADA and its members to help minimize any concerns and reassure the public that water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent dental disease. The ADA will support the government’s work and will continue advocating for communities to fluoridate their water at the new optimal level. We have released this statement to the media, explaining our support for the federal government’s action and our continued support for community water fluoridation at optimal levels.

“Candy is wonderful! Enough said! She caters to use cowards! It’s always a pleasure to see Wendy! She’s a favorite of mine. The girls at the desk are so friendly and so nice to talk with.”
     Carolyn DeVere

“You guys are great!”
     Anonymous

“Everyone was great-you are all the BEST!”
     Terry George

“All members of the staff are super. Your office is lovely and relaxing and I wouldn’t change a thing, not even moving it to the lower level, need the exercise!”
     Vesta Phiel

“Christine always gives me little hints about caring for my teeth. She is helpful- she doesn’t lecture. I appreciate having her as my hygienist.”
     Corinne Baker

“Just keep doing what you’re doing!”
     Bob Nasteff 
“As always, everyone was wonderful.”
     Kathleen Sharkey

“Everyone takes such good care of me. Thank you.”
     Dave Sacks

“I appreciate the cordial atmosphere that has been established at the office. I guess if you have to go through pain, this is the best place to do it, lol.”
     Tom Smith

“I always enjoy coming to Dr. Finlay. The dental hygienists are always honest and direct.”
     Nina Lattimore

“Unlike some, I LIKE to go to the dentist! It is always pleasant to see all of you and gee, I get my teeth cleaned at the same time!”
     Brett Polley

“Mary and Connie are extremely helpful with setting my family’s appointments. Candy explains my dental needs thoroughly and professional I am very pleased.”

“I love coming to your office. The staff is so friendly and professional. I have referred other with complete confidence.”
     Vicki Wallace 1/14/10

“Your team’s competence is exceeded…service is awesome…Staff are more than friendly and my family thinks of you as family and loves you all dearly! Enjoy the snow!”
     David Hogen12/19/09

“I love the office. It makes you very comfortable. Connie was extremely pleasant and helpful. She is an asset to your team. Dr. McLellan was detailed in explaining the procedure to me.”
     Mark McAndrews 12/21/09

“The people there were very nice and made me feel comfortable. I hadn’t been to the dentist in a couple of years and I was nervous to go but everyone was so nice and explained everything that was going on. I am glad that I decided to come to this practice.”
     Jenna Ware 12/12/09

“All the staff was very professional and informative. They made the experience very comfortable, and nearly enjoyable considering it is a dentist office and that’s saying something. Thank you!”
     Lana Burchert 11/12/09

1. Increases salivary flow. Chewing promotes the flow of saliva. Saliva has enzymes that digest carbohydrates, it has antibodies that fight decay causing bacteria, contains buffers that neutralize the acids that eat at your teeth and it contains minerals that help rebuild parts of your teeth that have been attacked by decay acid. Clinical studies have shown that chewing gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
2. Mechanically cleans the surfaces of your teeth as you chew. Chewing gum does not replace brushing and flossing. It is recommended to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning once a day in between your teeth with floss or other interdental cleaners.
3. Helps you quit smoking cigarettes. Try nicotine gum. Nicotine gum puts some nicotine into your system to help stop the impulse to smoke. It gives you something else to do besides puff a cigarette.
4. Helps you loose weight. Studies have shown that people who chew gum between meals tend to snack less. By chewing gum you can burn 11 calories an hour which can add up over time. Sugarless gum is the best choice.
5. Loosen up a tight jaw. If your jaw is tight and you clench your teeth it will give your mouth something else to do by working out the muscles.
6. Stress reliever. Keeps you cool under pressure, calms your nerves and it helps keep you awake instead of caffeine.
7. Beneficial additives. Delivers added nutrients such as Vitamin C to supplement your diet, fluoride to strengthen teeth and Xylitol to kill bacteria.
8. Increases blood flow to the brain. Extra circulation can help boost your memory and make you feel more alert.
9. Helps you stop biting your nails. It will distract your mouth away from your fingers.
10. Reduces the symptoms of acid reflux disease. The saliva flow can lead to an antacid effect in the stomach

Chewing gum can be offensive in some social situations if you are a noisy gum chewer. Chew gum quietly so the people around you don’t have to listen to you chew and remember to dispose of your chewed gum properly.

Candy Wiggans RDH is a dental hygienist who practices with Scott Finlay DDS & Associates, in Annapolis, Maryland. The dental office is a comprehensive restorative practice and a recognized leader in dental esthetics. The mission of the practice is to provide dental solutions to patients to enhance and maintain their best possible smiles. More information can be found at www.AnnapolisSmiles.com or by dialing 410.757.6681.