Dental Care For BOOMERS Series: My medications gave me dry mouth, what can I do?

Dry mouth caused
by medication use.

Answer:  Although it sounds innocuous enough, dry mouth can be a very serious, even debilitating symptom of many types of  medications and diseases.

With regards to medications, dry mouth can be found with the use of approximately 1,800 prescriptions. 

Whether the medication in question is used for pain, anxiety, depression, or weight loss, dry mouth is never a pleasant side effect to experience.

Routine proper dental care and additional cleaning visits can also help cut down or eliminate the  symptoms associated with dry mouth. If you suffer from frequent bouts of dry mouth due to medications, or for any other reason, Dentistry for Midtown located in Atlanta can help.

The symptoms of dry mouth often include but are not limited to:

• A dry feeling in the throat and/or a tacky sticky feeling in the mouth
• Cracked lips which can be accompanied by sores
• Difficulty with swallowing, chewing or eating
• an infection in the mouth most often related to the loss of saliva

This last point is very significant as the lack of saliva in the mouth can cause serious oral health issues.

Saliva not only helps with digestion, it  protects teeth from rot and controls the growth of unhealthy mouth bacteria.  Saliva aids in the process of chewing and swallowing as well.

Thankfully,  there is treatment for the dry mouth that can address this aggravating medication side effect.

Most common cures for dry mouth can be addressed by dental professionals and include:

• The use of products that artificially create saliva like treatment specific toothpastes, mouthwashes and gels.
• Salagen, a prescription drug that has been shown to increase saliva production.
• A new FDA approved drug called EVOXAC which was created for people with the auto immune disorder Sjögren's syndrome, an illness that presents with dry mouth, skin eyes and muscular pain.
• Fluorides to protect the teeth from decay.

Decades of combined experience in the area of dental health combined with  the use of state of the art equipment makes Dentistry for Midtown in Atlanta the go to place for oral health and dental solutions.

Come by or call today  to learn what you can do to reduce the effects of dry mouth and get your dental health back on track.

RESOURCES:

• Web M.D. 
• Dentistry for Midtown: Request an Appointment
• Colgate Teeth Care: What To Expect As Your Get Older 
• Living At 50: Saving on Dental Care for Boomers

Seniors Oral Health And The Affects Of Medications On Their Teeth : SERIES 1 of 6

Seniors should be aware of
the side effects that
multiple medication can do to
to their teeth.

This series will review how prescription medication therapies can have oral manifestations in senior citizens.

There are many concerns, particularly those related to medicines, with the oral health of seniors.

Many medications cause such things as dry mouth; abnormal bleeding from medications such as Coumadin, warfarin, aspirin and heparin; gum disease; tooth discoloration; and acid damage to teeth from taking aspirin.

All these things are detrimental to your oral health, and you need to keep your dental provider aware of the following if you are on these medications.

Be careful of the medications you are taking and think about the consequences to your oral health. 

The side effects from medications such as dry mouth, abnormal bleeding from Warfarin and Heparin, gum tissue health problems, tooth discoloration, and damage to teeth from aspirin are all things that can be monitored and dealt with. Seniors just need to be aware of the side effects and take all the precautions they can to keep from damaging their teeth.

Come by or call today to learn what you can do to reduce the affects of dry mouth and get your dental health back on track.

READ MORE:

• Visit Dentistry For Midtown: Dental Care for Seniors

Making Your Dentist Appointment | Atlanta Georgia Dental

Making Atlanta's Smile
Brighter Everyday!

We now offer all of our forms online.
Whether you are a new dental patient or just need to update your personal dental history it can all be done thru the website. 

[[ RESERVE your dental appointment online ]]
[[ FILL OUT our new patient form ]]
[[ CURRENT PATIENT log in ]]







Always Caring About Your Smile!  
Appointment Coordinator, Beth Butler
404.249.1716

Dental Issues During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during
pregnancy may
cause dental problems.

It is a well known fact that hormonal changes during pregnancy can create problems for women in regards to dental health. 

Many women who have never had a problem with their teeth can in fact find that they are fighting cavities and a host of problems that may lead to gum disease.

Other pregnancy related issues can include:

• Brushing avoidance caused by morning sickness -- nausea can be so strong as to make women avoid brushing which in turn can lead to problems
• 50-70 percent of women experience Pregnancy Gingivitis which is most often caused by hormonal fluctuations
• Pregnancy periodontal diseases that can cause inflammation, redness and pain making eating impossible
• Pregnancy tumors aka pyogenic granuloma, granuloma of pregnancy, lobular capillary hemangioma, and pregnancy epulides which are often benign lumps that bleed, crust over and cause discomfort
• Loose teeth cause by swelling gums which can trap food between the teeth causing also causing cavities
• Enamel erosion an increase in acid reflux problems or vomiting due to morning sickness can wreak havoc on teeth causing enamel erosion
• Tooth discoloration which can be especially problematic as it can signal certain infections the mother should be aware of
• Painful  overly sensitive teeth and gums again brought on m by hormonal changes or possible health issues.

READ MORE:

• Dentistry for Midtown: Request An Appointment Online 
• Dentistry for Midtown: Comprehensive Dental Care 
• WebMD: Dental for Before, During and After Pregnancy 
• American Pregnancy: Dental Work During Pregnancy

Dental Care For BOOMERS Series: What can I do about my single discolored tooth?

Remove teeth stains by
ZOOM! Teeth Whitening

Answer:  As anyone with this dental problem well knows, a single discolored tooth can greatly impact one's self esteem and how others perceive you.

Thankfully, modern dentistry has tackled the issue of discolored teeth, offering methods of correction that are painless and affordable.

Of course, the primary symptom of tooth discoloration is a presentation of  yellowing, darkening or erosion of  the tooth enamel and dentin.  The causes of discolored teeth vary and can include:

• Tobacco and caffeine use, which gradually corrupt enamel and dentin over time.
• Dental diseases that affect an individual root causing a single discolored tooth.
• Poor dental hygiene, which is why it always important to brush and floss.
• Pregnancy related infections as well as radiation treatments or chemotherapy may increase the risk of single- and multi-tooth discoloration.
• Genetics, medication, tooth trauma, and simple aging can create problems that destroy the vitality of teeth.
•  Excessive fluoride in the water supply during childhood may actually increase risks of tooth defects and discoloring.

The good news is, the discolored single tooth problem can be addressed with proper dental care and professional intervention.

There are numerous treatments available and they may often depend on the source of the discoloration.  For example, coffee, fruit and tea stains may be removed by  a simple zoom whitening or bleaching process.

Other treatments could involve:

• the use of tooth bonding and veneers, a time honored way to get teeth back into shape fast and effectively
• in-home whiteners either purchased over the counter or supplied by your dentist
• prevention is key, so alongside regular care, steering clear of drinks, foods and substances that create single tooth discoloration is a safe bet.

Regular dental checkups may also prevent your single tooth discoloration for coming back.  If you wish to eradicate your discolored single tooth and cultivate permanent dental health, Dentistry for Midtown located in Atlanta can help.

With years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, our professional and friendly staff will do what we can to give you the beautiful glowing smile you desire.

Call today to set up an appointment at the Dentistry for Midtown office and get rid of that single discolored tooth for good. http://dentistryformidtown.com/contact-appointment.asp

READ MORE:

• WebMD Oral Health: Tooth Discoloration 
• Colgate Teeth Care: What To Expect As Your Get Older 
• Dentistry for Midtown: Dental Implants 
• Dentistry for Midtown: ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
  

Preschoolers and Cavities -- Why Kids Need Dental Check Ups

Dentistry for Midtown offers
children on their 1st birthday
a free
SMILE VISIT EVALUATION

A recent study of preschooler dental health in the New York Times was both very alarming and eye opening.  It seems young children  from all economic backgrounds are starting to develop more and more severe cavities, some to the extent of needing extensive dental surgery.

Even toddlers can be susceptible to needing potential dental surgery due to complications from cavities.

In the New York Time's article,  a 2 ½ year old child was revealed to have 11 cavities in the 20 baby teeth he did have.  "The pediatric dentist extracted two incisors, performed a root canal on a molar, and gave the rest fillings and crowns." the story reveals. Working on the teeth of small children can be a delicate process and takes a steady and skilled hand.

At Dentistry for Midtown we offer the Smile Visit Evaluation for children who have had their first birthdays!  This initial consultation and check up is free for families who are already patients.

Dr. Bordeaux and his team of professional dentists understand how frightening dental procedures can be for children. With qualified expertise, we can help your child receive the preventive or corrective care they need to keep their teeth healthy.

Call or come by today to discuss your child's early care dental regimen and get your son of daughter ready for a lifetime of gleaming  smiles.


READ MORE:

• Dentistry for Midtown: Dental Care for Children 
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Regular Dental Visits
• American Dental Association: Give Kids A Smile 
• NYT: Preschoolers and Cavities

MIDTOWN ATLANTA HEALTH! April 28 is National Prescription Take-Back Day!

Do YOU have unused, unwanted or expired medications lying around your house? Well, now there is a day designated to rid these items safely. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated Saturday, April 28, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm as National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Midtown Atlanta (10 mile radius) Collection Sites:

• AVONDALE ESTATES POLICE DEPARTMENT
  AVONDALE ESTATES CITY HALL
  21 N. AVONDALE PLAZA
  AVONDALE ESTATES GA, 30002
• DEKALB COUNTY POLICE SOUTH PRECINCT
  1816 CANDLER RD.
  DECATUR GA, 30032
• SMYRNA POLICE DEPARTMENT
  2646 ATLANTA RD
  SMYRNA GA, 30080
• DUNWOODY POLICE DEPARTMENT
  CITY IS DUNWOODY BUT COMES UP AS ATLANTA 41 PERIMETER CTR. E SUITE 100
  ATLANTA GA, 30346
• DEKALB COUNTY POLICE NORTH PRECINCT 4453
  ASHFORD DUNWOODY RD.
  ATLANTA GA, 30346
• EAST POINT POLICE DEPARTMENT
  2727 EAST POINT STREET
  ATLANTA GA, 30344
• MARIETTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
  240 LEMON STREET
  MARIETTA GA, 30060

Find a collection site near you: CLICK HERE 

ALSO: The Fulton County Police Department will also be collecting potentially dangerous and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction on Saturday, October 29, 2011  from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter located at 6149 Old National Hwy, College Park, Georgia.

Information regarding the event is online by downloading promotional materials from the DEA Web site. You may also visit the Office of Diversion Control website to find a Take-Back Day drug disposal site. Encourage your patients, friends and colleagues to dispose of their unwanted drugs safely this year!


READ MORE

• Atlanta CBS: National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
• AJC: Drug Take-Back Day
• Washington Post: DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
• ANYTIME DROP OFF: CVS offers medication disposal

Q&A : Possible Link Between Dental X-rays and Meningioma Risk - Dr. David Boredeaux Feedback

Q
Dr. Bordeaux,

Reuters : Dental x-rays linked to common brain tumor just popped up in my news feed this morning so I wanted to share, since it's apparently the first large sample study on the topic and generated some buzz, at least enough to catch my attention. Like many in the study I was not aware of the specific ADA guidelines on dental x-rays. I fly a lot for work as you know, so I'm concerned about reducing my exposure. I was just recently in a car accident and had to get chest x-rays.  What are your thoughts on dental x-rays and exposure?

BTW the new crown feels great, like it's been there forever.

Thanks again,
Charles

A
Dear Charles,

Thank you for the article on x-rays and meningiomas.  The adverse effects of radiation are a great concern of ours and our patients.  X-rays are an indispensible diagnostic tool but must be used prudently.  I believe in using the most conservative x-ray schedule possible consistent with proper patient care.  The article recommends the kind of protocol I have followed for fifteen years and which the American Dental Association formally adopted about six years ago.  Progressive dentists abandoned annual x-rays for all patients years ago.

My protocol is to (1) use lead chest aprons and thryroid collars, (2) use high speed film, (3) obtain and make duplicates of existing x-rays when available, (4) take a comprehensive series of films every 3-5 years depending on the patient’s risk for dental disease, and (5) take a brief bite-wing series for adults every 1.5-2.5 years depending on risk for dental disease.  My schedule for children is brief exams only, taken every 6-12 months depending on their dental decay rate.  Children present a real dilemma.  Is it better to reduce the pain and suffering of tooth decay or risk a few more benign cancers?  The last ten years has had the first increase in children’s cavities since the 1950’s.  More kids than ever are requiring treatment under general anesthesia, which has its own risks, because of severe decay.  The medical world is full of such trade-offs.  Our duty is to correctly assess the risks and benefits of alternative protocols in general but at the same time tailor treatment to the individual.

Fortunately, brain tumors of all kinds are rare.  Dentists are more concerned about the more common thyroid cancers.  To date, oral carcinomas have not been linked to x-rays.  The medical examination that delivers by far the highest radiation dose is a CAT scan.  You should keep track of how many of these scans you receive over a lifetime and watch for changes in recommendations about total body exposure

I hope my response helps you.  I certainly appreciate your assistance in stay abreast of the latest news.

Sincerely,
David Bordeaux DDS

READ MORE

• ABC News GMA : Brain Tumors From Dental X-Rays? [[ with video ]]
• America Cancer Society: Study Examines Possible Link Between Dental X-rays and Meningioma Risk

Dental Implants vs. Conventional Dentures

Dental implants look and feel
like actual teeth.

Whether you've  permanently lost teeth in an accident or find age wrecking havoc on  a once healthy smile, the idea of tooth replacement can be rather daunting.

This can be especially true for older individuals, who have mixed emotions when it comes to  the prospect of wearing dentures.  The maintenance of conventional dentures alongside the discomfort that can be experienced if not properly fitted is among the primary causes of concern.  

Thankfully, dental implants are fast becoming  an alternative to conventional dentures that can remove some of the common issues that may be faced when implementing tooth replacement.

With dental implants, an artificial tooth and root is placed in the jaw creating a permanent replacement for missing teeth. Most patients who opt for implants as opposed to removable dentures or bridges find that they have a better quality of life.  Unlike conventional dentures, which can slip, click or make eating quite difficult, dental implants look and feel like actual teeth.

Dental implants are also more secure than dental bridges which often use other healthy teeth for support and can weaken them. 

Enjoy a more active lifestyle
with a beautiful smile.

Indeed, individuals who chose dental implants over conventional dentures have a list of pros regarding their decision.  Dental implant pros include the ability to enjoy a more active lifestyle, not being limited on the types of food they can eat, and not having to endure the pain and discomfort of improperly fitted dentures.  Social interaction is also unhampered as dental implants cannot move around or affect normal speech patterns.

At Dentistry for Midtown, we provide this service for our Atlanta/Midtown area patients.  Contact Dentistry for Midtown today and set up an appointment to speak with a qualified dental specialist regarding the procedure.  We will happily answer your questions so that you have a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect.

With dental implants. you can live and look your best no matter your stage in life... call now and get the healthy, glowing smile you deserve.

READ MORE: 

• Dentistry for Midtown: Cosmetic Dental Services
• Dentistry for Midtown: Dental Care for Seniors
• Dentistry for Midtown: Dental Implant and Reconstruction
• Dental Implant Video

How To Brush Your Teeth with an Oral-B Electric Toothbrush

A great how-to video on using the Oral-B Electric Toothbrush



Please visit:

• Our YouTube Channel for other dental health educational videos.