Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?

Almost on a daily basis a patient makes the statement, "I do not need x-rays. I'm fine."

I secretly find the statement amusing because, even I, their dentist, cannot make the statement that they are fine, with any certainty, without the diagnostic aid of dental x-rays. Why? I do not have x-ray vision!

Here are just some things a dentist cannot see without the eyes of the dental x-ray:

• Tooth decay ("cavities") on surfaces that are not visible to the naked eye. These surfaces include root areas and inbetween the teeth areas. That is more than half of your total tooth structure!
• The level of bone supporting the tooth roots. This is a measure of gum health.
• Impacted wisdom teeth and/or other impacted  teeth.
• Tooth infections or abscesses.
• Cysts or cancers.
• Integrity of existing dental work - fillings, crowns, posts, root canals.

So, as you can see, much of your oral health indicators are hidden from plain sight. Dental x-rays are the ONLY way to obtain this information.

Dental x- rays are a necessary part of your check-up oral evaluations. Please opt to have them taken at appropriate intervals.

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What Causes Bad Breath?

Patients ask me this question all the time: " What Causes Bad Breath?"

The possibilities are:

1. Tooth decay ("cavities") or tooth infections ("abscessed tooth");
2. Gum disease - gingivitis or periodontitis;
3. A diet of spicy foods;
4. Post nasal drip;
5. Acid reflux;
6. Retention of bacteria on the tongue;
6. Retention of bacteria on the tonsils; and/or
7. Certain medications or vitamins - prescription or over the counter.

As you can see, bad breath can have many causes. It may be due to only one factor listed above, or a combination of factors.

Remember a good start is a dental exam and cleaning (or "deep cleaning" depending on your needs).
During this visit, your teeth and gums can be evaluated to find the possible solution for your bad breath concerns.

Bad breath can usually be improved once the possible cause is determined.

In the meantime, keep brushing, flossing and rinsing!

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Start the Week Off Right

Brush, Floss and Rinse!

• Brush with a soft brush, twice daily, for two minutes each brushing. Remember that two minutes is the length of a typical radio song. A little longer than it seems when brushing in a hurry as you run out the door in the morning. A manual brush will do well in keeping your teeth clean, but an electric or battery operated brush is better. 

• Floss once daily, ideally at night, but anytime at all is still beneficial. Remember that the floss should clean under the gumline, not just snap through the tooth contacts.

• Rinse with a mouth rinse twice daily - morning and night. You can alternate between an anti-cavity fluoride rinse (good options are the pink/purple Listerine® or ACT®) and an antibacterial antiseptic rinse (Listerine® or Crest ProHealth®). The anti-cavity rinse strengthens the tooth enamel and the antibacterial rinse will help prevent gingivitis. Both are important!

• 6 month check-ups and cleanings will help catch any areas you may be missing in your daily cleaning routine at home. 

Following this routine should help you maintain a healthy vibrant smile!

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Blogging for Healthy Teeth

This will be a site for dental patient education. I will post dental information that patients should know in order to have healthy teeth and gums. Please let me know if you have questions, and I will do my best to answer them.

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