In this issue:

Dental Myths

Back To School Sonicare Special

Hello ,

Happy Autumn! Here at Dental Care of Milford we wish you all the best this season. And we want to help you stay your healthiest! We are sharing an article that answers a lot of the common questions we get from our patients about popular remedies and misconceptions . See the full article by clicking the link!

Excerpts from: DENTAL TRUTHS AND MYTHS: CAN YOU REALLY HEAL CAVITIES? AND MORE!

By Catherine at ButterNutrition Blog See the whole article here!

http://butternutrition.com/heal-cavities-fact-or-fiction/

“In recent years, there have been a lot of articles going around that say food can not only prevent cavities, but it can heal them as well. The skeptic in me wanted an opinion from a trusted holistically-oriented dentist to help sort out fact from fiction. This brings me today’s post from Dr. Paul Rubin, one of Seattle’s pioneers in “mercury-free” dentistry. Dr. Rubin has been practicing Mercury-Safe, “biological” Dentistry for over 32 years.

 I hope you enjoy Dr. Rubin’s responses to some common dental myths!

 MYTH #1: “NOTHING HURTS SO I MUST BE OK”

Pain is not a reliable indicator of dental problems. Sometimes pain can be a useful, early warning of trouble, but many dental problems can develop with no pain symptoms. A cavity can develop, sometimes getting quite advanced, with no symptoms at all… The point is, regular checkups are your best way of early detection of problems, as well as preventive help. I will repeat: Pain is not a reliable indicator of dental problems.

 MYTH #2: “I’VE HEARD YOU CAN HEAL CAVITIES WITH [FILL IN THE BLANK]” 

….I know that very beginning cavities, that have just started to break down the enamel surface, can be stopped and re-mineralized. But I have not yet seen any reliable evidence that a cavity, once it’s beyond the very superficial stage, can be “healed.” The tooth just isn’t capable of rebuilding the lost tooth structure. The mechanism isn’t there…. it’s claimed that “I can see that the cavity has disappeared.” I looked carefully at one blog about this that included before and after photos. I’ve been a dentist for over forty years, so I’m pretty sure I understand what I’m looking at. The photos showed surface stain (not decay)! The stain visibly reduced or disappeared in the “after” photos. …If I could see one good example of a real cavity that was documented by a dentist, and evidence from a dental exam and/or X-rays that this cavity “healed” or disappeared, I’d be jumping at the chance to find out what was done and how to advise my patients to duplicate this. Please, if anybody has such evidence, let me know!

 MYTH #3: “AN ABSCESSED TOOTH CAN BE HEALED”

Can an infected tooth, where the “nerve” or pulp of the tooth is infected or necrotic (dead) be revived? Alas, the answer is again: No. … The symptoms have stopped, but that doesn’t mean the tooth has healed. There is still a chronic, asymptomatic infection going on, and it is still dangerous…. I just want to emphasize that an infected, abscessed tooth cannot heal and become

a healthy tooth again. Note that a gum abscess (which sometimes has a similar appearance to a dental abscess), definitely can be treated and healed. This may confuse some, and may be partly responsible for why I hear stories like “I didn’t need to do a root canal after all. I healed my tooth.”

MYTH #4: “YOU DON’T NEED TO TAKE X-RAYS ON ME TODAY UNLESS YOU SEE A PROBLEM.”

 The point of taking X-rays is that they show things we cannot see visually. They have a tremendous value in early detection... For example, one of the most

common areas for decay to start is between the teeth where adjacent teeth contact each other. These will show up on “bitewing” X-rays many months before they are actually visible in the mouth. …If a cavity between the teeth goes undetected until it’s visible and obvious, then restoring the tooth may be a more extensive and expensive procedure than it needed to be…we are not cavalier about exposing our patients to even this small amount of radiation, but the benefits are definitely worth it”

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! Through the Month of September, get the 

Sonicare For Kids Interactive Electronic Toothbrush with Bluetooth App for 

$39.99 while supplies last only!

• Brushing timer
• Interactive app
• Free stickers to customize handle
• Easier to get kids to brush and brush properly
• Better check ups
• Brushes at 500 strokes per minute
• Recommended by dental health professionals (including our office!)
• Ready to pick up at our office!