7 Healthy Foods For Your Teeth

The foods that you consume play a major role in your overall dental health. People who eat foods with a high sugar content are more prone to dental caries/cavities. Here is a list of the top 7 foods that are good for your teeth. 

• Cheese- Not processed cheese, but block cheese or string cheese are great options. The enzymes in cheese can help to balance the pH levels in the mouth and increase saliva production. This helps to lower your risk for tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium and protein which strengthens tooth enamel. 

• Yogurt- Yogurt also has protein and calcium to strengthen enamel. It has probiotics, or good bacteria that can rid your gums of caries causing bacteria. The best yogurt choice is a plain yogurt because the flavored varieties have added sugar. 

• Carrots- Carrots are crunchy and full of fiber. Eating carrots increases saliva production which helps to "rinse" the teeth and prevent cavities.

• Leafy Greens- They are full of calcium which helps tooth enamel, but also contain folic acid which can possibly improve gum disease in pregnant women. If you don't enjoy leafy greens by themselves or in a salad, you could try sneaking them into other foods you do enjoy. Such as smoothies, or on a pizza. 

• Apples- Apples produce saliva in the mouth which helps clear away food debris, but the texture of an apple is similar to that of brushing your teeth. It definitely doesn't replace brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but is a good way to clean your teeth until you can brush them. 

• Celery- Celery is similar to apples and carrots. It is great for increasing saliva production and helping to rid your mouth of that pesky food debris. If you don't love plain celery, try it with some peanut butter to change it up. 

• Almonds- They are high in fiber and protein but very low in sugar. This helps to strengthen tooth enamel and serves as a great and filling snack. Almonds are great on their own or tossed into a salad. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you find easy ways to improve your oral health. We hope these simple and healthy foods will get you headed in the right direction! 

For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at: (801)292-5812 or visit our website at davisdentalutah.com

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com pictures were obtained from google.

Oral Health Impacts of Smoking and The Use of Other Tobacco Products

Many people do not realize the effects that tobacco use can have on their overall oral health. In dentistry, we see many of these issues arise when we have a patient who uses tobacco products. Here are 7 reasons you may want to quit. 

* Bad Breath

* Stained Teeth and Tongue

* Dulled Sense of Taste and Smell

*Slow Healing After a Tooth Extraction or Other Surgery

* Difficulty in Correcting Cosmetic Issues

* Gum Disease

*Oral Cancer

Quitting all-together is the only way to decrease your risk of oral and other health related problems. Here at Davis Dental, we are committed to giving our patients the best care possible. We want to give you all the tools, instruction, and advice we can to help you achieve optimal oral health. We look forward to seeing you! 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan Davis, call us at (801)292-5812 or visit our website, davisdentalutah.com. 

Information gathered from mouthhealthy.com. Images taken from google.com

Fluoride Benefits

Many people are on the fence about fluoride and its benefits. Here at Davis Dental we have experienced the true difference fluoride use can make not only for children, but adults as well. Fluoride is vital in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride comes in many forms and can be used in different ways such as, in toothpaste, drinking water (in some areas) and mouth rinses. 

There is some controversy about having fluoride in drinking water, but according to the American Dental Association "more than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride's cavity prevention whether they are at home, work or school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century." 

• How does fluoride protect teeth?

Fluoride that comes from foods, beverages, and supplements helps protect teeth before they come into the mouth by helping the tooth enamel become stronger therefore resisting decay. 

After teeth erupt (break through the gums) fluoride helps to remineralize enamel (making it stronger) and can even reverse the signs of early decay. 

• Why should I want to drink fluoridated water?

You can better your overall oral health and prevent cavities simply by drinking water. It is a very easy and safe way to provide your teeth with fluoride. 

Overtime, the fluoride from your drinking water will be present in your saliva and will help to bathe your teeth with very small amounts of fluoride to help protect and remineralize teeth. 

• Why should I choose a fluoridated toothpaste?

Toothpaste helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and mouth. Adding fluoride to this method helps to strengthen enamel. 

• Should my children be using fluoridated toothpaste?

For children younger than 3 years, parents and caregivers should begin brushing children's teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. 

For children 3 to 6 years of age, parents and caregivers should dispense no more than a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. 

Teeth should be brushed thoroughly twice a day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Children's brushing should be supervised to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste. 

If you feel that your child isn't brushing thoroughly, we recommend that you help them brush and show them the proper technique. 

Fluoride is a simple, effective, and safe way to ensure healthy teeth. 

For more information visit our website at: davisdentalutah.com or contact Davis Dental at: (801) 292-5812

All information gathered from ada.org. Photo credit to ada.org.

Who Should You Trust To Makeover Your Smile

Many people looking to makeover their smile don't realize that going to just any dentist may not give them the results they are looking for. If you are one of these people, below is a list of qualities to look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist to design your smile:

Experience - the dentist you choose for your smile makeover should be someone who performs cosmetic dentistry every day and who’s focus is on smile design. Actively seeking accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) - The AACD is the largest organization in the world when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Achieving accreditation through this organization is similar to board-certification in other medical fields. Dentists who are actively seeking accreditation through the academy have the proper knowledge and skills to create smiles that are natural, beautiful, customized to the patient, and long-lasting. Currently, there are only a few dentists in Utah actively seeking accreditation and only a handful of dentists who are members. Going to a dentist with this type of training will ensure that you achieve optimal results.

A dentist who looks beyond just the teeth - many dentists have “tunnel-vision” only focusing on the teeth and the oral cavity. This makes sense, because dental schools traditionally have trained dentists to think this way. However, in order to achieve optimal aesthetic results, the dentist should first focus on the patient’s facial features and facial type. This is where smile design begins - the teeth should be customized to a person’s facial features. Our face and lips are the frame for the teeth, and all these features together make what we define as a “smile”. If the face is not considered first, the new smile may appear to “not fit” or “match” the person or their personality.

A dentist who understands occlusion (aka “the bite”) and proper function of the teeth - If the dentist does not understand the proper form and function of a person’s “bite”, the new smile may be beautiful, but may also have problems down the road. The patient may end up having joint problems (TMJ problems) that cause pain and discomfort or may have teeth that constantly chip or break. When investing a lot of money into your smile, you should have the comfort of knowing that your new, beautiful smile will last a long time.

Smile makeovers should be customized to the patient - This is not a “one size fits all” procedure. When it comes to smile design, the dentist should consider the most appropriate treatment for the patient, with the goal in mind to be as “minimally invasive” as possible to achieve the most optimal result. This means that the dentist needs a firm understanding of all the modes of possible treatment and the various kinds of materials available - one person may need crowns on all of their teeth whereas another may only need bleaching and composite resin bonding.The goal is to achieve the person’s best smile with the least amount of dentistry.

Dr. Jordan D. Davis, DDS is an sustaining member with the American Academy of Cosmetic
Dentistry currently working toward achieving accreditation. He graduated from Creighton School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE with honors. He received one year of additional training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. He also teaches Oral Surgery at Roseman University School of Dentistry in South Jordan. 
For more information on Smile Makeovers, contact us at: (801)292-5812

Ten Things To Consider Before Purchasing Dental Insurance

Are you looking into purchasing a dental benefits/insurance plan? Here is a list of things to consider before you do. 

1. Will you be able to continue seeing your current dentist? 

If you have a dentist that you really like, you may want to look into an insurance plan that he or she participates with. If your dentist is not on that list, don't be afraid to ask why your dentist has chosen not to participate. They may have a very good reason. Don't let insurance companies fool you into thinking you can only see a dentist that is on their list. Several companies will help pay even if it is not with a participating doctor. 

2. Know what is covered in the plan you are researching. 

Many insurance companies do not cover certain procedures, especially when it comes to preventive treatment. Dental sealants and fluoride are not always covered. Both of these procedures could prevent future decay and save you money in the long run. 

3. Is the treatment you need determined by you and your dentist?

If you are having to choose dental treatment based on what your insurance plan will cover, you may not be receiving the treatment that is best for you. You and your dentist should be making the decision together on what treatment is ideal for your overall health. 

4. What type of dental care is covered?

Does the plan you are researching cover braces, bridges, crowns, or periodontal disease? What about major treatment such as; dentures, implants, or TMJ disorder? 

5. What is your coverage maximum?

Most dental plans cover on average a $1,000-$2,000 maximum per year. This small amount can be greatly diminished after one or two procedures depending on what type of treatment is needed. If you know you need more work than this amount allows, it may not be worth the premiums and remaining out of pocket expense to purchase a dental plan.

6. What if you need to see a specialist?

Some plans do not cover specialist visits leaving you with the entire cost out of your own pocket. 

7. Does the plan cover out of area emergencies?

Nothing is worse than having a toothache while you are trying to enjoy yourself on vacation. Does your dental insurance take care of these types of visits?

8. Does the insurance have a waiting period? 

If you are needing treatment immediately, you are likely going to have to wait 3 months for minor work such as fillings, and one year for major work like bridges and crowns. 

9. Does the plan have a pre-existing condition clause?

Some companies will not cover pre-existing conditions such as missing teeth. If you have a missing tooth that needs to be replaced with a bridge or an implant, many times insurance plans will not cover this treatment. 

10. Do you have an existing crown or bridge that needs to be replaced?

The majority of insurance plans will not pay for a bridge or crown that needs to be replaced if it has been under 5 years. Some companies won't help pay if it has been less than 7 years. 

It is important for you as a patient to consider all of these options before opting to purchase a dental insurance plan. 

Information for this post came from www.investopia.com and www.ada.org

CLINPRO 5000 ANTI- CAVITY TOOTHPASTE

Clinpro 5000 Anti-cavity Toothpaste* 

                                       

*Our office proudly carries Clinpro 5000. Dr. Davis and his team also use this product for their personal use. Please contact our office for more information. 

About this product 

Clinpro 5000 toothpaste is a breakthrough in anti-cavity toothpaste technology. This prescription-strength 5000ppm fluoride toothpaste aids in caries prevention, helps strengthen enamel and helps reverse white spot lesions. Available in three flavors: Vanilla Mint, Bubble Gum and Spearmint.

• Strengthens teeth better than leading brands.
• Remineralizes lesions throughout—not just on the surface.
• Delivers more fluoride to the tooth than other leading brands tested.
• Contains 1.1.% NaF (5000 ppm fluoride ion).
• Contains tri-calcium phosphate ingredient (TCP), so Clinpro 5000 toothpaste releases a high level of fluoride plus calcium andphosphate—components found naturally in saliva.
• Gentle cleaning, gentle whitening.
• Low abrasion.
• Replaces conventional toothpaste regimen.
• Available in a convenient 4 oz flip-top tube (approx. 6 month patient supply).
• Prescription only.

Patient Brochure 

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=66666UgxGCuNyXTtNxTV5XfcEVtQEcuZgVs6EVs6E666666--&fn=clinpro_5000_p_brochure_R1.pdf

Scientific Research

"The placebo resulted in the deepest indentations, while the 

two dentifrices containing fTCP and the 1,100 ppm fluoride dentifrice 

containing ACP resulted in the shallowest indentations. Therefore, 

sodium fluoride (NaF) formulations containing calcium technologies 

such as fTCP show promise in remineralizing white-spot lesions."

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=66666UF6EVsSyXTtOxfcmxT2EVtQEVs6EVs6EVs6E666666--&fn=TCP_Espertise_Booklet.pdf

"Due to this superiority, these results suggest the combination of 5,000 ppm fluoride plus the tricalcium phosphate system may provide significant anticaries benefits relative to fluoride-only and fluoride-free dentifrices."

http://www.academicjournals.org/jdoh/PDF/Pdf2010/June/Karlinsey%20et%20al.pdf

"The Chief Executive Officer at Indiana Nanotech, Robert Karlinsey reported the findings in American Journal of Dentistry’s December 2011 issue. Karlinsey found that Clinpro toothpaste, which comprises a fluoride-compatible tricalcium phosphate system developed by him, demonstrated high effectiveness at filling the tubules when compared to four other major brands."http://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=24279