Wednesday 30 December 2015

Bioactive Glass Leads to Longer-Lasting Fillings

Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay.

“Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, a professor at the OSU college of engineering. The hard and stiff material can replace the inert glass fillers now mixed with polymers to make modern composite tooth fillings.

“This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings,” he said. “The bacteria in the mouth that help cause cavities don’t seem to like this type of glass and are less likely to colonize on fillings that incorporate it. This could have a significant impact on the future of dentistry.”

Bioactive glass is made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorous oxide, and it looks like powdered glass. Its antimicrobial effect is attributed, in part, to the release of ions such as those from calcium and phosphate that have a toxic effect on oral bacteria and tend to neutralize the local acidic environment.

“Almost all fillings will eventually fail,” Kruzic said. “New tooth decay often begins at the interface of a filling and the tooth and is called secondary tooth decay. The tooth is literally being eroded and demineralized at that surface.” 

To read the entire article, please visit DentistryToday.com

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Your Smile is Important

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about why your smile is important.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.


Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Sunday 27 December 2015

Dental Gum Disease Treatment

Easier Treatments for Gum Disease

Don't wait to come into our office to be treated for gum disease. At the very first signs, it is important to stop the spread of the bacteria. When the infection is in the milder stages, there are nonsurgical methods to take care of the problem. Waiting until the infection is advanced may mean surgery to return the gums to a healthy state. Both types of treatment are usually covered by most dental insurance plans.

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Understanding Your Dental Plan

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about understanding your dental plan.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Sunday 20 December 2015

Dental Tool Sterilization

Safety Measures for Your Health

We never take any risks when it comes to your health. Some of the tools we use are re-usable, and we want you to know we meet all safety standards in sterilizing these tools. They are placed in an autoclave that is monitored by an outside lab to ensure they are completely sterilized and safe for re-use. Our one-use tools are safely discarded after treatment is completed.

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Sunday 13 December 2015

Chew on this: Six dental myths debunked

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.

In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.

Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.

To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Monday 7 December 2015

Tobacco Risks on Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about tobacco risks on oral health.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Sunday 6 December 2015

Three Oral Hygiene Tips for Men

When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.

Toothbrush Tips
Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.

Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.

Sports and Dental Injuries
Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.

To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com 

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com

Friday 4 December 2015

Senior Dental Care

Focusing on Seniors

Our teeth show signs of advanced years, just like our bodies. Decades of tobacco and caffeine consumption leave teeth stained with no remaining luster. Fillings often loosen, and sometimes a tooth has a hairline fracture. Both need attention with a new filling or crown before decay sets in and more advanced work is necessary. Certain medications reduce the flow of saliva through the mouth, and we can remedy the problem with basic products. Gum disease or root decay are common in seniors, and early detection and treatment are necessary to maintain good health. We emphasize continuing good nutrition and careful daily dental hygiene. If ever your gums start to bleed, please contact us immediately.

Suncook Dental   
Charles Albee, DMD   
Andrew Albee, DMD   
119 Pembroke Street   
Suncook, NH 03275   
(603) 485-2273     
SuncookDental.com