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.

With these fillings, teeth are less susceptible to breaking then they will be with traditional amalgam fillings. Many patients that have had their old amalgam fillings replaced have reported that their teeth are less susceptible to sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

These fillings blend in nicely with the patients existing teeth. Not only do they look beautiful in comparison to the older, gray restorations, but they are also strong and will provide functionality for years to come when properly cared for. Composite fillings, because they bond to your teeth, restore much of the strength that your teeth originally had. Most people feel confident and comfortable when they use these restorations.

If you have old metal fillings present, it is possible to have them removed and replaced with new composite fillings. The dentist will be able to remove the old metal fillings and any weakened area of the tooth, or teeth. Next they will create a new, whiter, composite filling and bond it into place.

Composite fillings, because they take longer to do and require the dentist to have a special skill, can cost more than traditional fillings. For this reason, the dental insurance company you use may not seem to cover as much of the bill as you might expect. Most insurance companies will only cover up to a certain amount, regardless to the type of filing you choose. In spite of the added cost, those that have had them done would never go back to old, metal fillings. For most, the benefits outweigh the expense.

“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.”

Dry mouth is otherwise known as xerostomia or a persistent lack of saliva. We need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and to help us taste and digest food. Saliva is very important because it protects our mouth from bacterial growth and protects against infection. When someone experiences dry mouth it can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing, especially when speaking. A few symptoms that one may experience are frequent thirst, a dry and sticky feeling in the mouth, overall soreness in the mouth, cracking of the lips and corners of the mouth, bad breath, difficulty chewing and swallowing food, and difficulty speaking.

Possible causes of xerostomia include smoking, age, anxiety, dehydration, cancer therapy, mouth breathing and certain medications such as those used to treat colds, allergies, depression and anxiety.  Xerostomia can also be a symptom of an underlying disease such as diabetes or Sjorgen’s Syndrome.  Dry mouth can lead to an increase in cavities and gum disease and can also cause halitosis or bad breath.

Xerostomia might not be treatable for everyone but one should focus on good oral hygiene, drink more fluids, chew sugarless xylitol-containing gum to increase saliva flow, quit smoking, use a fluoride toothpaste and or fluoride rinse, and always visit your dentist for routine dental exams.  Products such as Biotene help to boost saliva’s natural properties and offer oral comfort.  Using a humidifier to help keep the air full of moisture at night may also help.  If medication is the problem, speak to your doctor about altering the dosage or changing your prescription.

Mandy Ramey 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.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is a naturally occuring compond that can cure the need for that sweet tooth.  Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol and is also a natural metabolic by product of the liver, which explains why it is safe for human consumption. Our bodies produce 15 grams of Xylitol every day. It was discovered in the late 1800’s but wasn’t until sugar shortages in World War II that it was manufactured in a crystalline form for dietary consumption.  Until recently, it was only found to be an ingredient in gum.

How does Xylitol work?  When sugar is consumed, it is reduced in the mouth and creates a lower caries–promoting pH.  Xylitol, however, does not create this effect and instead is accumulated in S. Mutans (the bacteria primarily responsible for caries), which inhibits their growth.  The result is, that consuming Xylitol stops the cavity causing bacteria from growing and significantly reduces the risk of cavity formation.  There have also be some promising benefits discovered beyond the mouth.  Xylitol can also reduce the amount of insulin required in diabetic patients.  There have also been noted antibacterial benefits associated with the body’s natural cleansing process.    Studies have also shown us that caries causing bacteria are often transmitted from mother to child.  Because of this Xylitol has been encouraged in the use of expectant and young mothers to decrease their caries-producing bacteria.

Too much of a good thing can also have an impact.  The recommended intake of Xylitol is approximately 6-10 grams per day.  Too much can result in gastrointestinal upset.  A common source of Xylitol is chewing gum.   Patients with tempormandibular dysfunction may also not benefit from the parafunctional activity of chewing gum.   Interestingly, although safe for human consumption, Xylitol is not tolerated by dogs and can be lethal.

For more information about the benefits of Xylitol and whether you would benefit from introducing it into your diet, ask your dentist or hygienist.  Dr. Scott Finlay is a restorative, family dentist in the Annapolis area.  His practice focuses on the comprehensive and advanced esthetic rehabilitation of his patients.  www.annapolissmiles.com

All intra and perioral piercings have an effect on an individual’s health.  Some examples of potential complications include swelling and infection of the tongue, damage to the sublingual gland, aspiration, damage to the teeth and supporting soft tissues and nerve damage.  The presence of a foreign body provides an additional surface for bacteria to grow.  Individuals considering an oral piercing should confidentially consult with their dentist or hygienist to discuss the impact it may have on their health.  Those that have piercings should schedule more frequent recare visits to closely monitor and address issues as they develop if they elect to continue with the piercing.

Dr. Finlay and his team of dental professionals are sensitive both as health care providers and parents in managing personal choices in our lives.  They are dedicated however, in maintaining their patient’s dental health and preventatively keeping their smiles bright.  For more questions or information, please contact Dr. Finlay and his team at 410.757.6681 or visit their web site at www.AnnapolisSmiles.com.

Obviously there are dentists that have focused specific training and interest in cosmetic dentistry.  How does a person find the dentist that is right for them?  How does the consumer know who has received the training and has the talent to actually create beautiful smiles?
 
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is the largest, worldwide academy that focuses specifically on cosmetic dentistry.  There are over 8000 members in 70 countries.  The mission of the AACD is dedicated to the advancement in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.  The AACD can serve as a resource for the consumer to educate and to assistant in a search of qualified credentialed cosmetic dentists.  (www.AACD.com)

Cosmetic Dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA.  Fortunately, there is The American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry (ABCD) that provides a credentialing measure to access the skills of dentists in their aptitude and ability to perform cosmetic dentistry.  Accreditation has become the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry.  Accreditation is a process in which a dentist or dental laboratory technician is evaluated by a jury of his peers, Examiners within the ABCD, that are leaders and educators worldwide in the field of cosmetic dentistry.  Those dentists that have succeeded in achieving the designation in being Accredited have validated they that possess the skill and knowledge to create excellence in cosmetic dentistry.   They have proven that they can create beautiful results in real world situations.  This credential has been in place since the birth of cosmetic dentistry over 2 decades ago.  Accreditation is a process that can take years to accomplish.  Currently there are less than 300 Accredited Dentists worldwide.  There are 8 practicing in the state of Maryland.  Although there may be dentists who can provide excellent care that do have these credentials, there is no way to quantify this level of performance without measurement and credentialing.  It would only make sense that those that have a special interest in the field of cosmetic dentistry would be involved in the world’s largest academy focused on cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Scott Finlay is an accredited member dentist with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and practices in Arnold, Maryland.  Information about Dr. Finlay and his practice can be found at www.AnnapolisSmiles.com.