Relief For Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain that commonly comes from one of two sources.  The first is wearing away of the tooth's surface enamel to expose the dentin underneath.  The second is the exposure of the root surface, which is not covered by enamel, by gum recession.  When dentin or root surfaces are exposed, the tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve are exposed.  When heat, cold, or pressure touches these channels, pain may result.

Teeth Sensitivity Treatment

One in four adults has some tooth sensitivity.  If you've ever felt pain in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold foods, you have it.  Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments we employ in our office to treat this problem.  We encourage you to brush with a tooth paste containing fluoride, because fluoride can act to harden the tooth surface.  We have desensitizing agents that may be directly applied to the sensitive surfaces to relieve the pain.  There are also prescription strength mouth rinses that may be suggested.  If you have tooth sensitivity, be sure to bring it up for discussion at your next visit to our office.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Adults May Benefit From Fluoride Treatments

The Veterans Affairs developed a protocol for fluoride use in adult patients based upon the performance of the fluoride treatment on patients with a high risk of dental decay.  The objective was to determine of the fluoride treatments reduced the number of new dental restorations needed.

Restorations

In 2008, 51.8% of patients with a high rate of dental decay were provided fluoride, and the percentage rose to 81% in 2012.  After the four year period, 8.6% fewer patients needed two or more restorations, there was a 10.8% decrease in the average number of restorations, and 3.4% fewer patients required new restorations after the initial 12-month period.

The results indicated that restoration rates rose before fluoride was provided and the number of restorations fell consistently after the application of fluoride to more high risk patients.  Therefore, adults, as well as children, can benefit from fluoride applications to protect their teeth from dental decay.

Source:  JADA, 2014, vol. 145, no. 5, 443-451

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

How Fluoride Works To Prevent Tooth Decay

A  report in the journal Langumir, of the American Chemical Society, gives evidence of how fluoride in drinking water, toothpastes, mouthrinses, and other oral care products prevents tooth decay.  Fluoride penetrates a thin layer to harden the enamel on the tooth surface.  In addition, it also works by impacting the adhesion force of bacteria that stick to the teeth and produce the acid that causes cavities.  By reducing the ability of decay-causing bacteria to stick on teeth, it is easier to wash away the bacteria by saliva, brushing and other activities.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Tips for Good Oral Health

Good dental habits protect your teeth and gums from many oral diseases, and may help you avoid other serious health problems.  Here is a compilation of tips for good oral health from the Center for Disease Control and the American Dental Association:

• brush at least twice a day
• floss at least once a day
• rinse with mouthwash
• get fluoride every day
• clean your tongue
• get the right foods
• see a dentist if problems arise
• go tobacco free
• use a mouth guard if needed
• see a dental professional every 6 months

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

The Importance of Fluoride for Children

Rubbing toothpaste on your teeth can provide four times better fluoride protection, according to a recent study.  Researchers tested various brushing techniques and brushing either two or three times a day with high-fluoride vs standard toothpaste.

The results revealed that those who used a high-fluoride toothpaste three times a day had four times better protection than those who used standard toothpaste twice a day.

Researchers also found that massaging toothpaste onto teeth with a finger to be at least as effective as a third brushing in increasing the amount of fluoride in the mouth.
  
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

How Fluoride Works To Prevent Tooth Decay

A  report in the journal Langumir, of the American Chemical Society, gives evidence of how fluoride in drinking water, toothpastes, mouthrinses, and other oral care products prevents tooth decay.  Fluoride penetrates a thin layer to harden the enamel on the tooth surface.  In addition, it also works by impacting the adhesion force of bacteria that stick to the teeth and produce the acid that causes cavities.  By reducing the ability of decay-causing bacteria to stick on teeth, it is easier to wash away the bacteria by saliva, brushing and other activities.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

U.S. Surgeon General Endorses Water Fluoridation

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Banjamin has officially endorsed community water fluoridation as "one of the most effective choices communities can make to prevent health problems while actually improving the health of their citizens." She further stated: "Fluoridation's effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe dental cavities.  In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the generation that preceded it."

Every Surgeon General for the last 50 years has endorsed fluoridation of community water supplies as a safe and effective weapon in the war against tooth decay.

Source: National Oral Health Conference

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309