CAVITY-CAUSING BACTERIA CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO BABIES!

Parents should be aware that bacteria that cause dental decay can be transmitted from adult to child by sharing eating utensils, or by the parent sucking on a baby’s pacifier to clean it. A study recently published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, about the immunological benefits of adult saliva does not provide the full picture that adult saliva may also contain bacteria that causes decay, according to the American Dental Association. Read the whole article at link below
http://www.dental-tribune.com/articles/news/usa/13229_cavity-causing_bacteria_can_be_transmitted_to_babies.html

TODAY'S TOP TEN LIST

TODAY'S TOP TEN LIST
The ten most harmful habits for your teeth!

#10... Smoking. Cigarettes and  other tobacco products can stain teeth. There is a high correlation between smoking and periodontal disease. Also tobacco can cause oral cancer.

#9....Binging and Purging. Purging after binging brings strong stomach acids into  contact with your teeth. These strong acids can erode your teeth.

#8... Grinding Your Teeth. Grinding or bruxing can wear down your teeth and make them prone to fracture. It is often caused by stress and most people do it in their sleep.

#7...Tongue Piercing. Biting down on a metal stud can crack or chip your teeth.

#6...Bottles at Bedtime. Giving a baby a bottle of juice or milk at bedtime can lead to extensive decay in baby teeth. The baby falls asleep with his or her teeth covered with sugar.

#5 ...Ice Chewing. It's natural and sugar free but it is not harmless. Munching on hard ice cubes might feel good but it can crack and brake teeth.

#4...Gummy Candy. All sugar treats promote decay. Sticky gummy candy can stick to your teeth longer keeping the sugar in contact with the enamel surfaces of your teeth for a longer period of time. Thus increasing the chance of decay.

3...Opening Plastic Packages with Your Teeth... Opening bottles or plastic wrappers with your teeth may be convenient but it is a habit that makes dentist cringe. Using your teeth as a tool may cause them to crack or brake.

#2...Drinking Coffee and Red Wine. The acids in coffee and red wine can eat away at the surface of your teeth making your teeth mote vulnerable to stain and decay.

And the #1 Most Harmful Habit for your Teeth is

CONSTANT SNACKING. Snacking which also includes drinking fruit juices and soda. Constant snacking on these and any other sweet foods expose your teeth to high concentrations of sugars. These sugars are converted into acids which which attack and destroy your teeth.

Below is a link to an article that recently appeared in the New York Times. It's about this "wonderful, new dental technology". This technology allows a dentist, like me, who own a CEREC machine to make new crowns for their patients in o

ne hour. I think it's great that the Times would write an article about the CEREC system but I wish they were timely. I have owned my CEREC machine for 8 years. My patients have been taking advantage of this "new" technology since 2004. In fact one of my first postings on my Facebook account was about the wonderful CEREC system. Better late then never!

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/08/a-new-tooth-made-to-order-in-under-an-hour/

New Info on Periodontal Disease

A recent study found that 50% of people over 30, have some form of periodontal disease. The CDC collected data from their National Health and Nutrition Survey and found that 47.5% or 67 million people, over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. In people over 65 that number jumps to 70%. The disease is more common in men then women. There is a higher level  in smokers and people living below the federal poverty level. People with less then a high school education are more likely to have it.

We now know that periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent and non contagious chronic diseases. Similar to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Another Reason to Quit Smoking

Another reason to stop smoking. Researchers have found that nicotine increases the growth of decay forming bacteria. They exposed 7 strains of strep mutans, which are the decay forming bacteria which live and breed in plaque. Bacteria exposed to nicotine caused the plaque to thicken and increased the metabolism of the bacteria. Increasing the metabolism increased the acid production. The acid produced by the bacteria erodes the enamel of teeth leading to tooth decay

Sleep Apnea Linked to Cancer

Recently two studies reveled  a link between sleep apnea and cancer. A study at the University of Wisconsin found that patients with servere sleep apnea were five times more likely to develope cancer of some type. Patients with moderate sleep apnea were two times more likely to develope cancer.

Another study from the Spainish Sleep Network looked at five thousand people over seven years and found 65% of those with sleep apnea developed some type of cancer.

Greater deprivation of oxygen during sleep makes patients more likely to develope  cancer. Doctors recommend patients with signs of sleep apnea, such as snoring and fatigue should be tested.

Donated Dental Services

Donated Dental Services

As many of my patients know, I am a volunteer for an organization called Donated Dental Services. This is a program of Dental Lifeline Network. Since 1974 Dental Lifeline Network has been coordinating care for our society’s most vulnerable individuals.  People with disabilities or who are elderly or indigent.  I am one of   thousands of volunteer dentist across the country who donates time and materials to provide comprehensive care to these needy people in all 50 states.

Though volunteers like me donate our services,   some money is needed to support our work.  Dental   Lifeline Services manages the applications and qualification assessments, matches patients to participating dentists, coordinates care with specialists and provides support and treatment follow up for the patients.

            

Last year Dental Lifeline Services provided life-transforming care for 7,572 deserving individuals. Yet there are over 17,000 still on the waiting   list, and more call every day. All of us who partner with Dental Lifeline Network are committed to serving these desperately needy people, but it will be increasingly more difficult as previous financial resources are eliminated.

Please join me in making a gift that will restore dignity, hope and health to needy people. Each $1 donated generates $9 in life changing care. You can make your tax-deductible donation online at www.DentalLifeline.org  or mail your check payable to Dental Lifeline Network at 1800 15^th Street, Denver, CO 80202. If you have any questions please contact Heather O’Connor at 888-471-6334.

Donated Dental Services

 As Many of my patients know, I am a volunteer for an organization called Donated  Dental  Services. This is a program of Dental Lifeline Network. Since 1974 Dental Lifeline Network has been coordinating care for our   societies   most  vulnerable  individuals.  People   with  disabilities or who are elderly or indigent.  I am one of   thousands of volunteer  dentist across the country who donate time and materials to provide  comprehensive care to these needy people in all 50 states.

Though volunteers like me donate our services,   some money is needed to support our work.  Dental   Lifeline  Services  manages the applications  and  qualification  assessments,  matches patients to participating dentists, coordinates care with specialists and  provides support and treatment follow up for the patients.                                                                   

Last year Dental  Lifeline  Services  provided life-transforming care for 7,572 deserving  individuals. Yet there are over 17,000 still on the waiting   list,  and  more  call  every  day. All of us who partner with Dental Lifeline Network  are  committed  to  serving  these desperately needy people, but it will be increasingly more difficult as previous financial resources are eliminated.

Please join me in making  a gift that will restore dignity, hope and health to needy people. Each $1 donated generates $9 in life changing care. You can make your tax-deductible  donation online at www.DentalLifeline.org  or mail your check  payable to Dental Lifeline Network  at 1800 15^th Street, Denver, CO 80202 . If you have any questions please contact Heather O’Connor at 888-471-6334.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that damages the gums and bone that support our teeth. It is the main reason why adult patients lose their teeth.

One of the earliest signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums. Some people erroneously attribute bleeding gums to overzealous tooth brushing.  Gum tissues bleed and turn red because of the accumulation of   plaque, a soft film of bacteria, around our teeth. Inadequate daily oral hygiene allows this plaque to build up. When the plaque builds up over a prolonged period of time the gum tissue becomes inflamed. After several weeks the inflammation becomes chronic. Chronically inflamed gum tissue can become sensitive and is prone to bleed easily. While bleeding gums is one of the early signs of periodontal disease, bad breath is also a common sign due to the unpleasant odor of plaque.

The chronic inflammation of the gum tissue eventually elicits and auto immune response from our body which results in a breakdown and loss of bone surrounding the teeth. As the disease progresses the redness will increase. The gum tissue may appear swollen and might eventually recede. As the bone loss continues the teeth will become loose and shift position. Ultimately the teeth will be lost.

The good news is periodontal disease can be controlled. Daily flossing and brushing along with regular dental hygiene care can remove the plaque   that cause the problem and reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Dosease

Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that damages the gums and bone that support our teeth. It is the main reason why adult patients lose their teeth. One of the earliest signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums. Some people erroneously attribute bleeding gums to overzealous tooth brushing.  Gum tissues bleed and turn red because of the accumulation of   plaque, a soft film of bacteria, around our teeth. Inadequate daily oral hygiene allows this plaque to build up. When the plaque builds up over a prolonged period of time the gum tissue becomes inflamed. After several weeks the inflammation becomes chronic. Chronically inflamed gum tissue can become sensitive and is prone to bleed easily. While bleeding gums is one of the early signs of periodontal disease, bad breath is also a common sign due to the unpleasant odor of plaque. The chronic inflammation of the gum tissue eventually jadfjelicits and auto immune response from our body which results in a breakdown and loss of bone surrounding the teeth. As the disease progresses the redness will increase. The gum tissue may appear swollen and might eventually recede. As the bone loss continues the teeth will become loose and shift position. Ultimately the teeth will be lost. The good news is periodontal disease can be controlled. Daily flossing and brushing along with regular dental hygiene care can remove the plaque   that cause the problem and reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

Poughkeepsie Dentist, Are Amalgams (Silver Filings) Safe?

In recent years some concern has arisen regarding the safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. Some small isolated studies seem to indicate that some of the mercury in amalgam (silver) fillings might   turn to vapor and be released in the mouth while chewing. The word amalgam is defined as a combination of diverse elements: a mixture. The silver fillings that dentists use are called amalgam. It is a compound composed of silver, copper, tin and zinc bonded together by mercury.

The few studies that seem to indicate that a possible health concern regarding amalgam are isolated studies. The results of those studies have never been duplicated in controlled environments with reputable scientist.

The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that upwards of 75% of dentist use amalgam to restore teeth. The ADA also states it believes amalgam fillings to be a safe. Along with the ADA, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDA believe amalgam is a safe an effective filling material. The only reason not to use amalgam is when a patient has demonstrated and allergy to the material.

Although the scientific evidence shows that silver fillings are safe many patients have expressed a preference not to use them. Some are still concerned about the mercury but most simply prefer the more esthetically pleasing alternative of composite or porcelain, the so called “tooth colored fillings”.

In our office we generally elect to use the tooth colored filling unless the situation calls for the need for some of the properties unique to the amalgam filling material.

For more information, please feel free to contact our office at (845) 471-4383.

Does Your Mouth Feel Like the Sahara Desert?

Does your mouth feel like it’s as dry as a desert? You are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth. The actual discomfort associated with dry mouth is not the only problem. Other problems that accompany dry mouth include difficulty chewing and swallowing, an increase in dental decay and gum disease and bad breath.

So why do so many people have to live with “cottonmouth?”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. The list includes 8 of the 10 most frequently used prescriptions. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration and decreased salivary flow due to aging.

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are also among the leading causes of this problem. So if you need another reason to stop smoking and cut down on your drinking there it is.

There are several things you can do to reduce the damage caused by dry mouth:

1-Chewing gum that contains Xylitol (we discussed this in a previous blog)

2- Drinking  plenty  water to stay hydrated

3- Breath through your nose not your mouth (that’s a hard one)

3- Frequent brushing and rinsing with a  fluoride toothpaste and rinse

4- Daily Flossing

5- Using a room vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your home

Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness and cause an increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental exams are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us at 845-471-4383 to set up an appointment or visit our website at http://www.docwillo.com

You Have Better Things to Do with Your Time

I am sure you have better things to do then spend unnecessary time in the dental chair. If you have a tooth that is broken or severely decayed, it usually requires a crown. In most other dental offices that means one visit to prepare the tooth, take an impression and make a temporary. Then in about 2 weeks you must return for another visit to have the temporary removed and the crown  cemented into place. In my office we feel that’s wasting too much of your valuable time. We have invested in the CEREC restorative system. This is a chairside computer that allows us to fabricate   most of the crowns that my patients need, in about 1 hour. There is no need to return for a second visit. There are no  gooey  impressions. No temporaries to worry about falling off. Using a digital blue ray camera and CAD CAM technology we can make a beautiful all porcelain crown in about one hour. The fit is terrific and some people feel since it is bonded to the tooth that it is stronger then conventional crowns. All we do is take a picture of the prepared   tooth. Design the crown on the computer and send   it to the milling machine and that is it. All done in about one hour leaving you time to do the other important things in your life. So if you find that you need a crown and you don’t have time to waste, give our office a call.

Teeth Grinding Dr. Willoughby Poughkeepsie

Are Your Teeth Getting Shorter?

Take a look at your teeth.  Do they look shorter then they used to be?  Do they look worn?  Do the edges of your front teeth feel sharp?  If you answered yes to any of these questions you might be a bruxer or grinder.  A bruxer is someone who has an unconscious habit of grinding or clenching their teeth.  Most bruxers grind their teeth while sleeping and are unaware that they do it.  Unexplained headaches and facial pain may also be signs of a bruxism habit.  Over time grinding may cause fractures of the teeth or fillings.  It can also lead to teeth looking worn and give the appearance that a person is older then their actual age.  Some ware on teeth is normal.  However if you feel you might be an excessive bruxer, speak to your dentist about constructing a niteguard.  It won't stop the grinding but it can minimize the damages caused by grinding. 

For more information about teeth grinding, or to schedule an appointment please contact our office at (845) 471-4383.

Meet Dr. James Willoughby, Poughkeepsie Dentist

Teeth Whitening at Dr. Willoughby's Dentist Office Poughkeepsie

Teeth Whitening at Dr. Willoughby's Dentist Office Poughkeepsie

Teeth whitening has one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings out of any dental procedure and the amount of whitening that can be achieved is amazing.  I get many questions from my patients about the difference in over the counter whiteners and the whitening services that I offer in my Poughkeepsie dental office.

To start, there are many systems available to use to whiten your teeth.  All use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the whitening agent.  The difference in over the counter vs. our systems is that dentists can use and dispense higher concentrations of whitening agent.  Thus improving the results and shorting the time required to achieve results.

Some people have success with using over the counter whitening strips.  These strips seem to work well for some people and not so well for others.  The problem is that there is no way to tell before using the product, which patients these products will work well for and which patients they will not work well for. 

In my office we offer Venus White Ultra trays and ZOOM chair-side whitening.  Venus White Ultra trays are pre-filled trays that our patients take home.  The patient wears the trays on their upper and lower teeth for one hour each day for seven to fourteen days.  For patients who want to receive faster results we offer ZOOM chair-side whitening.  The procedure takes about two hours.  The patient sits comfortably in our dental chair while a light shines on their teeth activating the whitening agent.  Most patients watch TV or listen to their Ipods.  Both systems can achieve amazingly white teeth with no alternation to the tooth.  The chair-side procedure is usually a little more costly but the results are achieved much faster.  
The take home kits work very well but requires more time and commitment from the patient.

Please feel to call our office at anytime with questions regarding teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment to have your teeth whitened today!  We service the entire Hudson Valley and are located at 46 Fox St. in Poughkeepsie New York.