What is Xylitol and how can it benefit you?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. It has roughly two thirds the calories found in sugar. That makes it a good alternative for diabetics. It has less impact on blood sugar levels due to it's chemistry. There's also some evidence that xylitol may be of benefit to patients with osteoporosis, upper respiratory infections, and some oral infections.

Xylitol is of great benefit to your dental health. Research in the early 1970's in Finland showed that people that chewed gum sweetened with xylitol had fewer cavities that those who chewed gum sweetened with sugar. Another study showed that mothers that chewed xylitol gum three months after delivery of their babies until age 2 showed a 70% reduction in cavities in those children. This is due to the fact that the mothers had fewer cavity causing bacteria reducing the probability of transmitting these bugs to their newborns. Other research supports found that the bacteria that cause cavities consume the xylitol and are in effect starved. Less bacteria means less plaque and less cavities.

Check out this website http://www.epicdental.com/ for info on how to purchase xylitol products.

Dental Disease Management Based On Risk Assessment

In medicine it has been recognized for years that certain individuals are at a higher risk for certain diseases. It's no different in dentistry. For years you were told to brush and floss and see your dentist every six months. As if this blanket statement can be applied to everyone no matter your age, you health, your goals, or your risk level for developing disease. The fact is I see patients in my office who have not been to the dentist for years and don't have any problems. I also see patients who have been seeing their dentist regularly and always have problems. So what's really going on here?

Dental health or disease is determined by many factors. Genetics, the status of the immune system, the micro hardness of enamel, the anatomy of the teeth, the gum tissue type, the type and number of bacteria present in the mouth, salivary flow, diet, oral hygiene, the level of care received, and the patient commitment to their oral health.

It's important to first determine what dental diseases you are at risk for. Only then can a strategy be used to not only fix the current problems but help reduce your risk for future problems. The three main dental disease are gum and bone disease, tooth decay, and bite problems that accelerate the breakdown of your teeth. A thorough exam is the most important step in the process. From there we can develop a life long plan for your dental health.

Advances in Orthodontic Treatment Make Straightening Teeth Easier and more Affordable than Ever

There are many adults that can benefit from orthodontic treatment to improve their smile and increase their self confidence. A healthy beautiful smile is the first thing people notice about you. Rest assured it affects the way you see yourself and how others see you. Your personal relationships and your professional relationships with others are heavily influenced by how you present yourself.

For years we have accepted that braces are of great benefit to kids and teens. The way teeth fit together can effect jaw development and facial features. For whatever reason, some adults never had the opportunity to have orthodontic treatment at a young age. Many think that it's too late. Well, there's good news. You have a choice.

While we provide orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages, adult orthodontic treatment has been on the rise the past few years in our practice. Invisalign has been a great alternative to braces for many patients. You can find out more info about Invislaign on http://www.invisalign.com/.

Another excellent alternative is short term adult cosmetic braces. This option focuses on straightening the front teeth if you already have a bite that is functioning well. You can have straight teeth in about 6-9 months of treatment. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment addresses the bite as well as the cosmetics if the bite is not functioning well but over a period of 18-24 months.

The short term cosmetic braces option is very popular among our adult population and is an excellent alternative to porcelain veneers in many cases. For more info please visit our website at http://www.tmdds.com/ , check out some of our Before and After pictures and schedule a complimentary consultation appointment.