| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is holistic dentistry?
With holistic dentistry we relate your oral health to your general health.
Central to holistic dentistry is an understanding of the impact of infections
in the gums, teeth or jawbone on your health. Holistic dentistry works
with other health professionals to achieve optimal health for our patients.
2) What are amalgam fillings made of
and are they safe?
Mercury dental amalgam is a filling material that has been used for 160
years and is still being used today in 75% of dental practices. The material
contains 50% mercury, while the other 50% is made up of a combination
of silver, tin, zinc and copper.
Our office does not do amalgam fillings. Mercury is one of the three most
toxic materials on earth, together with arsenic and lead. It is now accepted
that mercury leaks out of the filling continuously and is stored in the
kidney, liver and brain.
It is important to realize that when we are exposed to many toxins their
effects are compounded, and their combined affect is worse than their
individual effects. In Germany amalgam fillings are banned and special
equipment is needed when removing old fillings to prevent contamination
of municipal water.
3) Why are my teeth sensitive?
There can be several reasons for teeth sensitivity, including: decay with
a cavity developing in the tooth, and cracks and fractures in the tooth
that may be difficult to see. Other causes might be clenching or grinding
the teeth, ill fittings restorations, or abrasions.
4) What causes tooth loss?
Tooth decay and periodontal disease are the most common causes of tooth
loss. Tooth decay takes place when most of the tooth’s mineral makeup
has been dissolved away and a hole (cavity) has been formed. While tooth
decay primarily affects children, periodontal disease, or gum disease,
affects mostly adults. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums
caused by the build up of plaque, and its earliest stage is known as gingivitis.
5) What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which can be treated and
reversed if diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms are red, swollen and
puffy gums that bleed easily.. If treatment is not received, gingivitis
could progress into periodontitis, an advanced and more serious stage
of gum disease which includes bone loss and is not reversible. Gum disease
is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked
to heart attacks and strokes.
6) How often should I come in for
a checkup and cleaning?
Most people should have a checkup and cleaning every 6 months. Some more
frequently than that while others require less frequent visits.
7) Nothing hurts in my mouth so why should I
be concerned?
Pain is a really poor gauge as to whether there is a problem. It often
surprises us that one patient may only have a small cavity and be in a
lot of pain while another may have extensive decay and infections and
yet never had any pain.
8) Can an adult have Orthodontic treatment?
Yes, adults can have orthodontic treatment. The primary difference between
adults and children is that adults have completed their facial development.
Teeth of adult patients move generally well if they have not received
any prior trauma. They usually move at a slightly slower rate then those
of an adolescent patient at the beginning of treatment because of the
higher density of adult bone. After that initial phase, tooth movement
occurs at a normal rate and is generally predictable.
9) What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Everyone, without exception, should use a soft bristled brush. Medium
and especially hard bristles, are just too harsh on the gums. In time,
the gums recede (literally worn away) and expose root surface, which makes
the teeth become quite sensitive. Deep groves can eventually be worn.
10) How long should our teeth last?
Teeth will last a lifetime if properly cared for. We now know what causes
dental decay and periodontal disease. By properly taking care of our teeth
with the help of a dental professional we should have our teeth a lifetime. |
