Trends in Tooth Decay: Fluoride and can Red Wine Help?

During the second half of the 20th century, there was a steep decline in tooth decay among kids in the United States. Water fluoridation advocates have long claimed that this reduction in tooth decay was primarily the result of adding fluoride to water. It all started in the 1940’s with the belief that fluoride’s primary benefit came during the tooth-forming years. Today it is now acknowledged by the dental research community that fluoride’s primary benefit comes from contact with teeth instead of ingesting it. It is also now common knowledge that fluoride is ineffective at preventing tooth decay in pits and fissures which is where the majority of tooth decay happens.

 

As many a cosmetic dentist knows, tooth decay is basically still epidemic in poor and minority populations, but this is also the same groups that suffer a disproportionately high amount of almost all diseases including obesity and diabetes, much of which is linked to eating too much sugar. These are the folks that require an oral surgeon most often, not to mention dental crowns, teeth bleaching and dental veneers. Their diets also lack several key nutrients and are high in fat and sugar.

 

When the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) nominated water fluoridation as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century, it showed the reduction of cavities in children in the U.S. coupled with the increase in water systems that have been fluoridated since the 1960’s.

 

There’s another interesting report that was published last year regarding red wine, which has long been known to contain a substance, resveratrol, a heart-healthy substance. Now it appears both red wine grapes and winemaking residue, known as pomace, contain substances that may help prevent tooth decay. People may require more procedures for whitening teeth, but their teeth will be healthier!  In a study published online in November of 2007 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry we learn that it is specific polyphenols, or chemicals present in large amounts in fermented seeds and skins that are cast away after grapes are pressed —- interfere with the ability of bacteria to contribute to tooth decay. (Source: Cornell and the University of Rochester Medical Center.)

 

The study may also hold clues for new ways to reduce life-threatening, systemic infections caused by bacteria. It is Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that produces the substances most responsible for tooth decay.

 

In the future, the hope now is to isolate the key compounds within pomace that render bacteria harmless, perhaps by developing a new kind of mouthwash.

 

Until then, many a Los Angeles dentist, including myself, are recommending less sugar, better toothbrushes, and teaching parents how to help their children brush better.

Trends in Tooth Decay: Fluoride and can Red Wine Help? « Dr. Afar, Los Angeles Periodontist

Trends in Tooth Decay: Fluoride and can Red Wine Help? « Dr. Afar, Los Angeles Periodontist

Consumers Enjoy Perfect Smiles via Thin Veneers

Twenty years ago, people had few choices if their teeth looked bad. They just had to live with it. Don’t forget, George Washington had false teeth rumored to be made of wood. Times are changing …as modern technology and new cosmetic dentistry techniques are transforming dentistry these days. We have gone from the concept of “no pain no gain” dentistry to a new saying — “the smile you’ve always wanted without the pain you’ve never wanted.” Now there are millions of enhanced smiles throughout the world.

The first porcelain laminates, also known as veneers, were invented by the Den-Mat Corporation. They are very thin, like a contact lens. People basically know of them today as Lumineers by Cerinate® because of successful branding. The company claims it is the most significant advancement in 9,000 years of dentistry. OK that may be a stretch.

The procedure does not require grinding down sensitive tooth structure which is common when patients get traditional crowns. And this procedure can even revitalize crowns, and bridges. It is also not necessary to give a patient anesthetic shots during this procedure. So you can close spaces, lengthen shorter teeth, provide better color to stained tooth enamel, or re-shape awkward looking or crooked teeth, in addition to chipped teeth. The veneers are like getting teeth in an hour and are clinically proven to last for 20 years.

Although there are many different techniques and procedures behind cosmetic dentistry for replacing, repairing or reshaping our teeth, such as dental implants or crowns, or Invisalign braces whether you can benefit from veneers depends on several things including how healthy your teeth are in the first place. In case you didn’t know, your teeth are made from enamel that is the hardest substance in your body. But even with that said, we still need to be careful not to chip them by doing stupid things like cracking nuts or opening a bottle cap with our teeth. Teeth cannot repair themselves.

But if you have accidentally, for example, fallen while doing sports and you now have a cracked tooth, here’s how the procedure works. Veneers instantly attach to the front of the existing tooth to improve the shape and color. They are permanently bonded to your teeth in place so they need minimal preparation. And don’t worry, there is an extensive range of shapes and colors that will be hand selected to match and enhance your existing teeth. The result looks real.

In fact, the results for this procedure are exceptional for makeovers on worn, misshapen teeth, which are transformed so people can smile with confidence. Many of our patients thank us for helping to change their lives.

Our Los Angeles dentist and Wilshire Dental Care office charges $1,000 per veneer, plus we can provide financing plans for patients who can’t afford to pay for Lumineers in cash, or for those who do not have dental insurance. Just go to our website at www.wilshiredentalcare.com