Nail biting can affect your health and your teeth

The pressures of work, the stress of the holidays, the worries about the economy... these days it seems there is definitely a reason to be biting your nails. But, there are also several reasons to break the habit in the New Year.

Research has proven that people who bite their nails are more likely to crack, or chip their front teeth or incisors. The constant pressure of biting down on something can lead to bruxism (unintentional grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw). Bruxism can cause headaches, tooth sensitivity, recessed gums, tooth loss, and unnatural tooth wearing. Jagged sharp fingernails can tear and damage gum tissue. Bacteria, fungus, and viruses can hide underneath the nail and when bitten off be introduced into the body through the mouth causing infection and disease.

A bad habit is difficult to break. Wearing a special mouth guard can help to deter nail biting or try to keep an emery board with you and file your nails instead of biting them. You can purchase bitter-tasting products that you brush onto your nails to prevent the biting. You can also examine the streses in your life that are triggering the nail biting and try to focus on calming techniques to help you change these stressors. Above all, at Scottsdale Dental Arts we want to see you have a happy and healthy new year.

Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?

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If you are one to grind your teeth while you sleep, or chew on ice, nuts , or hard candy, then you are more likely to experience a cracked tooth. Often the only symptoms that you will experience are similar to a cavity, such as: sensitivy to hot/cold, or pain around the tooth when you chew. The tooth may hurt because the pressure of the biting causes the crack to open exposing the inside of the tooth. Then the nerve inside the tooth emits a pain signal to your brain that something is wrong with your tooth. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and the sharp pain subsides as the crack quickly closes. Dr. McCargar says that often the diagnosis of a cracked tooth is made with the aid of an X-ray, and treatment depends on the severity of the crack.

Creating Custom Smiles

Dr. Jason McCargar is featured in this Fall's Edition of New Beauty. Look for the magazines on newstands now. Below is the article about Dr. McCargar and his dental office called Scottsdale Dental Arts.


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Our Latest Work of Dental Art

At Scottsdale Dental Arts we pride ourselves on our smile makeovers. We just wanted to present to you Victoria's new smile! It is also featured in the November edition of Scottsdale Health Magazine!

What is an inlay?

An inlay is a restoration that fits within the cusps of a tooth. It is made outside of the mouth as opposed to a filling which is made inside the mouth. It may be made of metal or porcelain; in a lab or on a CEREC machine. It is usually cemented or bonded into the tooth. An inlay restores portions of a tooth that might also be fixed with smalgam (silver) or tooth-colored filling material.

I have a toothache why did my dentist prescribe clindamycin?

A toothache is most likely caused from an infection within the tooth. Decay on the tooth gets worse when sugary substances are ingested because bacteria living within the cavity feed on the sugar. As the infection gets deeper and deeper inside the body of the tooth it eventually strikes the nerve which is why you have that pulsating, throbbing pain that radiates across your jaw. The infection is now in an area that air does not reach easily. The bacteria causing this particular infection is called anaerobic bacteria. (Aerobic means only in the presence of oxygen; therefore anaerobic means without oxygen.) Anaerobic bacteria only respond to certain antibiotics and one of these antibiotics is clindamycin. Clindamycin will help to get rid of some of the anaerobic bacteria that is causing the infection and therefore help with the pain. Dr. McCargar says that "It is imperative however, that a patient in this particular case follow-up with the dentist because the infection will continue to come back until the decay or the cavity is properly removed and treated."

Make Over Your Smile

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At Scottsdale Dental Arts, Dr. Jason McCargar prides himself on making sure that you are comfortable with your smile. Fixing crowding of the teeth or fixing gaps can help you to look younger. Dr. McCargar says "Whether having a full mouth makeover with veneers are moving teeth with Invisalign, your smile is custom-made to fit only you." What this means is that your smile will be unique to you and that the teeth will not look too big or too small in proportion to the features of your face. Dr. McCargar has done many smile makeovers this year using porcelain veneers. Above is a great article from Health Magazine talking about how porcelain veneers can easily correct crowding or gapping of teeth.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Do you know someone who dips their child's pacifier in honey, sugar, or syrup? What about that parent who gives their child a baby bottle full of juice right before bed? These are examples of ways to cause Baby Bottle Tooth Decay in your child's first teeth and it is not recommended by your dentist.

Tooth decay in infants and small children is generally due to what the baby is consuming in the baby bottle. Liquids containing sugars such as milk, formula, soda, and sweetened juices swish around the child's teeth and gums feeding decay. It is often more pronounced in children still receiving a bottle because the feeding often takes longer (resulting in the sugary drink surrounding and sitting on the teeth producing decay) and then the child is often put to sleep immediately after (allowing the sugar to seep into bacteria on the teeth over night resulting in plaque and ultimately decay and cavities). If the decay and cavities are left untreated pain and infection may result leading to extraction of the baby teeth. This is extremely serious because if the baby teeth are lost too early your child may develop speech problems, crooked teeth, or damaged adult teeth.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay Dr. McCargar recommends never allowing the child to fall asleep with a bottle containing juice, or other sweetened liquids. Dr. McCargar says the American Dental Association recommends gently massaging the baby's gums and gingival tissue using your finger wrapped in moistened gauze or a washcloth after each feeding. Brushing with a soft toothbrush and water is recommended at the first sign of a baby tooth; however, fluoride containing toothpaste should not be used until after the child's second birthday (unless your dentist advises you otherwise based on evaluation).

Looking for Whiter Teeth in Just Two Weeks?

Looking for a whiter smile, but don't want to break the bank? Try whitening with Crest White Strips, in just two weeks you can have a brighter smile! Dr. Jason McCargar at Scottsdale Dental Arts says that the active ingredient is similar to the bleaching agents that he uses at his dental office; however, the ingredient in the Crest White Strips is just lesser in strength. So, the results occur a little more slowly, but it is still a very effective means of whitening nonetheless! (Priced $25-$45 depending on size of package) Dr. McCargar also said that brushing twice daily and flossing daily can help remove plaque and lift stains also making your teeth appear whiter.

The importance of mouthguards

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Sugar content

Below is a picture of a pepsi bottle. It is exactly 12 fluid ounces, which is the same size as a can of pepsi.


The label clearly states that there is 41 grams of sugar in the product.


This is what 41 grams of sugar looks like in comparison to the bottle. If that still does not gross you out - it is roughly equivalent to 1/4 cup or 6 & 1/2 teaspoonfuls.


And just to compare other commonly consumed sodas...
Minute Maid Orange soda has 48grams of sugar.
Dr. Pepper has 40 grams of sugar.
Coca-cola has 39 grams of sugar.
Monster energy drinks have on average about 27 grams of sugar.
7-up has 39 grams of sugar.
Sprite has 38 grams of sugar.
Mountain Dew has 46 grams of sugar.

Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD at Scottsdale Dental Arts specializes not only in cosmetic dentistry, but in family & general dentistry as well. He says that the sugar is not the only culprit that causes cavities when soda is consumed. Soda also contains acids ( as seen on the label - phosphoric acid) which strip the teeth of their enamel. This in turn causes the teeth to be more susceptible to cavities. Once bacteria settles into the cracks and crevices of the teeth at the site of the cavity it further feeds off sugary products such as soda. Then, a small cavity that is easily fixed with a filling can turn into a large cavity that could potentially require more painful and more difficult treatment such as a root canal. Dr. McCargar stresses that water is best, but sometimes we all like the flavor of a soda. He recommends drinking the soda through a straw, so that it does not wash over the surfaces of the teeth as badly. He also recommends diet soda instead of regular soda to reduce the sugar content.

Thanks Trent Oeltjen!

Batting For Smiles

Difficult economic conditions have had a negative impact on the health of Arizona's children at a time when they are undergoing the most dynamic changes in their physical and mental development. Scottsdale Dental Arts, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Fry's Food Stores are committed to working together to help raise healthy children by emphasizing the importance of good oral hygiene, preventive dentistry, exercise, and good nutrition to control the onset of disease. This community involvement, called "Batting for Smiles" was a huge success this year.

The winner of the 2009 season of Batting for Smiles, was registered by his parents when they used their Fry's V.I.P card between August 4 and September 11 at any Fry's Food Store's valley location. Dr. McCargar organized to have the winner greeted at his school by Trent Oeltjen - outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks - and Baxter - the Arizona Diamondback's Mascot. While Trent was signing autographs and Baxter was having pictures taken, Dr. McCargar spoke with the rest of the class about healthy smiles. Dr. McCargar said that as a family and cosmetic dentist he thinks it is fun and important to be involved with the local community and really enjoyed working with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Fry's for this year's event.

Osteoporosis and your Dentist (part 2)

There are many commercials right now on tv by lawyers warning people about bisphosphonates. Lots of people are worried, but you shouldn't be. The lawyers are trying to say that bisphosphonates (this is a class of medications that includes: Fosamax(alendronate), Actonel, Boniva & is used in treating osteoporosis) can cause osteonecrosis after a dental procedure. This is not true. In fact, the incidence for oral Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva causing osteonecrosis occurs less than 1 case per 100,000 patients per year. About 94% of the cases of osteonecrosis are in cancer patient who are receiving intravenous (not oral) Zometa or Aredia. These specific IV medications are usually used in treating cancers that have spread to the bone.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is bone damage that is extremely rare and occurs due to bone injury. The bone does not heal properly after the injury (for example a tooth extraction), and causes severe pain and swelling, then bone death. It is thought that bisphosphonates may increase the incidence of osteonecrosis because they might slow healing and suppress bone turnover after a dental procedure. Clinical trials do not support this with oral bisphosphonates only intravenous. Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD said according to the ADA it is advised that patients notify their dentist if they are taking these medications. He recommends that patients have routine dental exams before starting therapy and again within 3 months after starting therapy, then every 6 months thereafter. Dr. McCargar also stresses that good dental hygiene can decrease the risk of osteonecrosis. He says that brushing and flossing your teeth at least once per day (preferrably twice) can keep your gums and teeth healthy and prevent many dental procedures such as extractions. Dr. McCargar also says that bisphosphonates are very safe medications and the benefits of using them far outweigh the risks. Bisphosphonates can help to make your bones stronger and prevent them from breaking.

Osteoporosis and your Dentist (part 1)

Osteoporosis (reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein) affects more than 10 million Americans over the age of 50, and more than 34 million are at risk for the disease. One out of every two women will sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. Each year, osteoporisis causes 1.5 million new fractures. Of these fractures, 250,000 are hip fractures resulting in mortality rates exceeding 20 percent in women and 30 percent in men, recurrent hospitalizations, increased office visits and often the need for care at extended treatment facilities. In indiviuals who have hip fractures, less than 25 percent of them regain full function. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be at risk for osteoporosis and ask about the benefits of oral bisphosphonates (like fosamax, actonel, and boniva).

Fluoride and Children

You only give water to your child that you know is safe, right? Usually this means it is bottled and not from the tap. However, this "designer" water may not have any fluoride at all, which can lead to tooth decay. Too little fluoride can cause teeth to be more susceptible to cavities. Dr. McCargar says he sees a lot of cavities in children and parents don't understand how this can happen when the child takes great care of his or her teeth and gums. But, it can happen and it does happen frequently. Most tap water is fluorinated and most bottled water is not. Double check which water your child is drinking. It may just make your child's next dental visit much more enjoyable.

Who has the better Girl-Next-Door/ Celebrity Smile?

Leave your comments for who has the best girl-next-door/ celebrity smile! Who will win... Aniston or Diaz? Vote for your favorite today! Dr. McCargar will critique the winner's smile!

Pregnancy

New York's Bellevue Hospital Center conducted a study that found women who have a lot of bleeding from their gums also have the highest levels of glucose in their blood. Because of this conclusion, scientists decided to try another study. The New York University Dental Researchers confirms the results of the first study... discovering that pregnant women with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes - even if they don't smoke or drink.

Free Dental Screenings for kids on September 25, 2009

Scottsdale Dental Arts, the practice of Jason D. McCargar, DMD, is providing free dental screenings to children in grades 1-6 at his practice on Friday, September 25, 2009, from 9am until 12 noon.

The no cost, no obiligation dental screenings are part of Batting for Smiles, a partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Fry's Food Stores.

Dr. McCargar and his team are reaching out to our valley's youth to educate them about the importance of maintaining good oral health for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The free dental screenings are limited to the first 50 appointments. You can reach Scottsdale Dental Arts at 480/860-8282 or on our website at www.ScottsdaleDentalArts.com

Growing Children

Leading researchers believe that children's bodies crave sweets in order to obtain adequate calories for growth. In a recent study children, ages 11 to 15, were given various levels of sweetness in different sugar-water type substances. The children were placed into two groups: high preference or low preference for sweetness. Children who had the highest levls of a biomarker for bone growth in their urine were most likely to be in the group that liked the sweetest drinks!

Free Dental Screenings on Friday, August 28, 2009

For Immediate Release
August 19, 2009

Scottsdale, AZ -- Scottsdale Dental Arts teams up as an official partner of the AZ Diamondbacks to offer free dental screenings to children in grades 1-6

Located in North Scottsdale just minutes from Scottsdale Health Care Shea Campus, Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD of Scottsdale Dental Arts will provide no cost, no obligation visual pediatric dental screenings at his office on August 28, 2009 from 9am to noon.

The free screenings are limited to the first 50 appointments and each patient will receive a goody bag upon completion of the visual screening.

The free pediatric dental screenings are offered as part of Batting for Smiles, a partnership between Scottsdale Dental Arts, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Fry’s Food Stores to educate children about the importance of brushing, flossing, and preventative dental care.

A bright smile is an integral part of a strong body, and the value of a beautiful smile goes beyond healthy teeth and gums. When your child establishes a routine of brushing, flossing, and preventative dental care early in life, these good habits will lead to a lifetime of winning smiles.

To schedule your child’s free dental screening, contact Scottsdale Dental Arts at
480-860-8282. www.ScottsdaleDentalArts.com

Who has the better celebrity smile... Cruise or Cruz?

Vote who you think has the better smile! Then, we will have Dr. McCargar critique the winner!

Canker Sores

The pain from a canker sore can prevent you from enjoying your favorite foods, and depending on where it is located it may even be preventing you from eating. Canker sores, also called apthous ulcers, while small are extremely painful.

The most common culprit for causing canker sores is your toothpaste. The product in your toothpaste that causes it to foam when you brush your teeth is called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and this can be very abrasive to your oral mucosa even producing apthous ulcers (canker sores). Most toothpastes have SLS in it, but there are several brands that don't have it at all. (Check out Tom's Natural Toothpaste: Sensitive Care SLS-free or Biotin products.)

Other causes can be from weakened immune systems. When our bodies are tired and stressed we are more prone to infections from bacteria and viruses. A small abrasion on the gum from brushing can lead to an infection when our immune systems are weak. The body will send signals to the area to fight the infection and in doing so the area can become red, irritated, and inflammed.

If you never get canker sores and have one for the first time it may also be a viral infection known as a herpetic lesion. These most often occur around the lips, but can also occur inside the nose and on the oral mucosa. These can occur when the immune system is weakened from overexposure to the sun, respiratory illness, stress, or contact with another person who has a herpetic lesion. In this incidence the best course of action is to get an antiviral prescription from your doctor.

For simple apthous ulcers treatment is to help with the pain until the ulcer heals. This usually occurs within 7 days. Some of the prescription medications help to speed healing. One is a prescription medication called "kenalog in orabase" this helps speed healing and helps minimally with the pain. Another medication that Dr. McCargar uses at Scottsdale Dental Arts is called "Debacterol" this medicine when placed on the ulcer temporarily stings, but then the pain is gone & the apthous ulcer heals in a matter of days. Over-the-counter medications that help with the pain are products like "Orajel" that contain benzocaine and help to numb the area. The saliva from the mouth washes these medications off pretty quickly but, they will give temporary relief. Another product to try is "Ulcerease" this is a liquid formulation to help with the pain, swish & spit this one for best efficacy.

White doesn't mean Bright

White wine may be the lesser of the two evils. In comparison to red wine, white wine can still stain your teeth but maybe not as badly as the red. The acids found in any wine can break down the enamel by creating rough spots and grooves in the teeth, allowing chemicals in stain-causing bevereages (coffee, tea, cola, wine) to penetrate deeper into the tooth. Red wine is still the stronger culprit at staining your pearly-whites because it contains chromogen, a strongly pigmented substance. However, white wine shows it can still stain teeth even though it won't discolor your teeth as badly as red wine.

Acidic erosion is not just a problem caused by wines, it can also be caused by any acidic drink (orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade, sports and energy drinks, sodas). Dr. McCargar, DMD, with Scottsdale Dental Arts recommends that patients simply keep wine consumption within moderation, because by cutting back on acidic drinks people can help to maintain their whitest smile.

Sports Drinks: Satisfy your Thirst while Damaging your Teeth

The next time you reach for that thirst-quenching sports drink, you may want to think again.

A recent New York University College of Dentistry study published in the June 2009 edition of the Academy of General Dentistry finds that highly acidic sports drinks can eat away at a tooth's hard enamel coating. The results of the study are grim for consumers of sports drinks. Scientists found that the bonelike material underneath the enamel becomes soft and weak, therefore more at risk for tooth decay.

The NYU study involved placing teeth from several cows into two groups. The first sample was placed into a popular sports drink while the second sample was placed into plain tap water. The teeth were exposed to the liquids for a period of 90 minutes to simulate the average person's continual sipping throughout a given day. Scientists discovered significant amounts of erosion and softening of the enamel in the teeth that were exposed to the sports drinks while the teeth that were exposed to water showed no changes to their enamel.

What's even worse is that scientists found that brushing immediately after drinking a sports drink can compound the problems of tooth erosion because the softened enamel can be damaged by the abrasive particles found in toothpaste.

So the next time you need to quench your thirst, play it safe and reach instead for a bottle of water. Your teeth will thank you.

Batting for Smiles

During the months of August and September, Scottsdale Dental Arts, the dental practice of Jason D. McCargar, DMD, is teaming up as an Official Partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Fry's Food Stores to sponsor Batting for Smiles, a program designed to help promote healthy smiles for children in grades 1 through 6.

Difficult economic conditions have had a negative impact on the health of Arizona's children at a time when they are undergoing the most dynamic changes in their physical and mental development. Scottsdale Dental Arts, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Fry's Food Stores are committed to working together to help raise healthy children by emphasizing the importance of good oral hygiene, preventive dentistry, exercise, and good nutrition to control the onset of disease.

To join our Batting for Smiles team, parents can register their children in grades 1 through 6 by using their Fry's V.I.P card between August 4 and September 11 at any Fry's Food Store's valley location. Your children will then be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize, which is the opportunity to welcome an Arizona Diamondbacks' player and Dr. McCargar to their school to teach them how to have a lifetime of winning smiles!

The Link Between Dental Care and Diabetes

According to recent clinical studies a link between periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory conditions such as heart disease and diabetes has been discovered. Inflammation occurs after infection or injury to protect your body and to help it in the healing process. However, inflammation that stays for long periods of time can actually cause disease. Periodontitis is a form of chronic inflammation occuring in the gum tissue and surrounding bone. It is an advanced stage of gum disease that requires aggressive dental treatment because it can lead to tooth loss, and also increased risk of disease. One particular disease that it has been linked to is diabetes. The inflammation from periodontitis can increase blood glucose levels which can lead to diabetes over time. Dr. McCargar, DMD, says "It is important to see a dentist regularly so that you can prevent, detect, and treat gum disease."

Does bad breath "Bug" you?

The garlic that you ate for lunch is not the only thing that can cause bad breath. People with periodontal disease have a 15% higher chance of having a bacteria inside their mouth that can release an odor causing gas. That bacteria is called H. pylori. Generally, the bacteria is found in your stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and heartburn. However, the stomach ulcer bug can also cause bad breath. If you have persistent heartburn and halitosis ask your doctor or dentist about medications that can help to treat this condition. Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD says that by treating the heartburn with a proton pump inhibitor and also treating the periodontal disease at the same time, patients can drastically decrease the incidence of halitosis (bad breath). To completely irradicate the stomach bacteria, however a series of antibiotics plus proton pump inhibitors must be used for a 14 day period. Ask your primary care physician about your treatment options if you have heart burn more than 2 days per week.

What are sealants?

The American Dental Association, defines dental sealants as a type of plastic material applied to teeth, to prevent dental cavities. According to Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD, sealants are a highly effective option to help prevent cavities. They are proven safe and are cost-effective for those patients that are prone to cavities. The majority of cavities occur in the small pits and crevices on and in-between teeth where food gets caught. Because the teeth in the back of the mouth (molars and premolars) have the most natural grooves and fissures on their biting surfaces, certain areas of these teeth are often difficult to clean even with vigorous tooth-brushing. Therefore, these are often the teeth that benefit the most from dental sealants. First the affected area of the tooth must be clean and dry, then a thin layer of liquid plastic material is applied and allowed to dry and harden. Dental sealants may remain effective for five years or longer, although sealants do wear naturally with chewing and may become damaged over time. Often an area that would easily become a cavity is saved by simply "sealing-off" the space between the tooth and any future bacteria or future food particles. However, the dental sealants do not protect against gum disease, so regular dental checkups are still important for overall oral health.

Fact of the Week:

Did you know that nearly 27 percent of patients experience their first adult tooth loss between the ages of 21 and 30?? Nearly everyone in America has a doctor that they refer to as their "primary care physician" but 46 percent of Americans report that they currently do not have a "primary general dentist." Just as people have a primary care physician, it is equally important that people have a "primary care dentist." At Scottsdale Dental Arts it is believed that everyone should have a qualified and professional dentist looking out for their dental care. Dr. McCargar stresses the importance of dental exams and hygiene cleanings every 6 months to maintain a healthy smile. Afterall, overall physical health is directly linked to oral health.

Eating for Two also means Brushing for Two

Pregnancy can cause unexpected oral health changes. The hormonal changes that occur can exaggerate the way gum tissue reacts to plaque. When plaque isn't removed, it can cause gingivitis - red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. If you already have gingivitis and become pregnant the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss. "Pregnancy gingivitis" affects a large number of pregnant women to some degree and general begins to surface as early as the second month of pregnancy. There is a link between gingivitis and pre-term delivery and/or low birth weight babies. The reason is because excessive bacteria from your swollen gums can enter into the bloodstream and travel to the uterus. When bacteria encounters the uterus it releases chemicals called prostaglandins which can induce premature labor. Dr. McCargar says that "during pregnancy it is especially important to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least twice daily. More frequent dental cleanings also will help to control plaque and prevent gingivitis." Your overall health is directly linked to your oral health, so it is especially important for you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy and discuss your dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy with your dentist.

Are sports drinks bad for the teeth?

After a workout, many of us like to rehydrate with a sports drink. The advertisements claim it replaces lost electrolytes and quenches thirst, but did you realize that sports drinks can actually cause cavities? That was the evidence according to a recent study by the International Association for Dental Research in Miami. The results show softening of the dentin (the dental tissue that determines the size and shape of the teeth and lies directly beneath the enamel layer) and also damage to the tooth enamel (the protective layer on the outside of the teeth). The study immersed cow teeth in either water or a sports drink for 75 to 90 minutes, then measured the damage. It was concluded that sports drinks can damage the teeth even more than soda because of the acidic components, the sugars, the dyes, and the additives. The high acid content can weaken the enamel and cause bacteria to sneak into cracks and crevices in the teeth, and sugar exacerbates that situation. The scientists conducting the study wanted to stress that the most important factor is exposure, if you are drinking the beverage all day it has a longer time to break down your teeth versus if you just have the beverage occasionally on a limited basis. To decrease exposure you can also use a straw or drink plenty of water afterwards.

Healthy Teeth and Vitamin D

We have heard over and over that calcium helps to maintain strong teeth and bones, but did you know that Vitamin D is just as important? Vitamin D allows calcium to be absorbed by the body, so without Vitamin D your bones and teeth will be weak and brittle. Most people get adequate amounts of Vitamin D from the sun. 10 to 15 minutes of sensible sun exposure to the arms and legs at midday 2 to 3 times per week may provide an adequate amount of Vitamin D for people not at high risk for skin cancer. But, for most of us (especially in Arizona) we know not to go outside without our sunscreen and this makes it difficult to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D. But, don't worry because you can also get it from plant sources and you can find it in your vitamin aisle. Often it is already paired with the calcium (for example Citracal and Caltrate are great brands--but don't overlook the generic because often it has the same ingredients but for less price). Current FDA guidelines recommend 100IU (international units) per day for kids and 400 to 600 IU/day for adults. (Some newer studies are recommending closer to 1000IU/day for adults). Adequate Vitamin D levels can reduce muslce and bone pain, and decrease the incidence of falls and fractures. It is also showing in some studies to lower the incidence of some cancers and heart disease. Not to mention that you will have a healthier, prettier smile and less painful dental visits!

Dental Crowding or Gapping

Crowding of teeth or gaps between teeth can affect your self confidence. When you smile if you feel self-conscious about the spacing of your teeth, then there are many dental procedures that can help to fix that. Porcelain veneers can not only realign teeth, but can also conceal chips, cracks, and stains. Procelain veneers are extremely thin "shells" that are affixed to the teeth. Dr. McCargar can do complete mouth makeovers or just a few teeth with porcelain veneers. First the teeth are reshaped, then a mold is taken. The mold is given to a local lab to make the veneers, while this is being done, you will be fitted with a temporary set of veneers. During this time you will evaluate how you like the look and feel of the temporary teeth. At the last visit the permanent veneers will get set into place and you will have a completely new smile!

Make Over Your Smile

Do you feel comfortable with your smile? When you look in the mirror do you only see old dental work that is causing you to look years older than you actually are? Well, you're not alone. Over time, silver fillings can leach into the enamel of the teeth, causing the teeth to turn a grayish color. Childhood fillings can deteriorate with time due to years of constant force from chewing food. Crowns can crack due to physical pressures from the jaw (ie: grinding, chewing, stress). On average a crown will last for 7 to 10 years, implants can last up to 15, and veneers last about 15 to 20 years. Preventative care such as routine hygiene appointments, healthy diet and no smoking can help in the longevity of these dental procedures. Having fillings, crowns, and veneers replaced when necessary with stronger, more attractive procelain restorations can rejuvenate your look in just a couple of office visits. Some restorations are covered by insurance if they are necessary in saving a tooth, but most likely you will need pre-authorization from your dental insurance carrier.

Have you heard about the New Colgate Wisp ?

The Colgate Wisp is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. It has built in bristles that release a colgate product to freshen and clean your teeth and breath as your brush, and the cleaning/freshening product is safe to swallow. After you brush it has a little pick at the other end to help clean in between teeth for those hard to reach areas. It doesn't require water, so after you finish you just throw it away! Give it a try for only about $0.60 a brush!!

According to the makers of the Wisp, "it is still necessary to maintain your regular brushing routine with a full-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria. The Colgate Wisp is designed to give a clean mouth feeling and fresh breath when you are on the go." (http://www.colgatewisp.com/wisp/HomePage)

Isn't my dental office supposed to know my insurance benefits?

As a person who has insurance with a given insurance company, I receive an explanation of benefits within a booklet of benefits that my employer gives to me when I sign up for a plan. In that booklet it breaks down what company covers my medical insurance, my prescription insurance, my eye insurance, and my dental insurance. Often a different company is used for each type of insurance. I personally have four different companies that handle each division of my insurance. Within each insurance plan is sub-groups that further determine how much the insurance will cover for a certain type of claim.

For example, if I pay $4 per month for my dental insurance, my employer might match $4 per month and my monthly premium is then $8 per month. I might be very excited to have this plan because it seems very inexpensive. When I receive my booklet of benefits, I read that due to my low monthly premium, I have a $5,000 deductible to meet before my insurance will cover any dental related procedure. Now, I have a toothache and my plan doesn't sound so good. Because of my low monthly premium, I have a high deductible. When I go to see the dentist I am responsible for the full cost until I reach my $5,000 deductible, at which point, the insurance will then start paying some of the cost of the work.

In another example, say I choose the dental insurance that costs $750 per month. I like this plan because it says that it covers crowns, bridges, veneers, braces, whitening, etc. I just have to go to a certain "in-network" dentist. I call my insurance company to make sure that my dentist is "in-network" to find out that he is!! Now, I have a toothache and I go to the dentist and I don't have any out-of-pocket expenses. But, I decide that I like another dentist better and decide to go to him for another procedure... this dentist is "out-of-network" with my insurance. Now my insurance is saying they will only cover a portion of the expenses & the office is only giving me an estimate. I don't understand why they can't tell me the exact cost that I will owe??

When a dental offices calls insurance companies to determine how much they will cover for your procedures, they often give very vague information. The insurance will tell the office that according to your plan they will cover a yearly maximum, they will say what your deductible is if you have one, they will inform the office of how many cleaning you can have per year and at what frequency. They might say that they may cover 50% of a specific procedure. But as we determined before insurance companies have a fee schedule that determines how much they think a procedure should cost & these are never released. So, for example the insurance may say that they will cover 50% of a filling. (But according to their fee schedule a filling should be amalgam and should only cost $20-for example- so the insurance is actually willing to pay $10. When the filling is done it is actually a tooth-colored filling that cost $50- so now you owe $40). The hard part is that the office doesn't know exactly how much the insurance will cover until the insurance is actually billed for the procedure. And it is illegal (insurance fraud) to bill for a procedure that has not been done, therefore, the office can only call and get an estimate. This is why it is very important for each person to know their individual plan.

My dentist recommended this treatment. Why doesn't my Insurance cover it fully?

Your dental plan may only allow benefits for the least expensive treatment. For example, you have a tooth that is fractured and cannot be restored. In this case, your dentist may recommend an implant and a crown. Your insurance may only cover a bridge. Or your insurance may only be willing to cover an amalgam (silver-colored)filling. If you choose to have the amalgam filling, then your insurance would cover it fully and you would not have any out-of-pocket expenses. However, you will have a very noticeable silver filling and most likely will opt to have it re-done in the future for cosmetic and health reasons. Not to mention, that it is a temporary fix for a tooth that has a huge fracture. Most likely the filling will not hold very long due to the trauma to the tooth and you will end up having an implant and a crown done down the road anyways. If you choose to have your insurance cover the bridge, then you have to use two perfectly healthy teeth that neighbor the fractured tooth to support it. Overtime, this can cause stress on the neighboring healthy teeth and potentially lead to more dental work down the road. If you choose the implant and crown your insurance may cover a portion of the cost, which leads you with more out-of-pocket costs at this time, but potentially will save you from costly procedures down the road. Ultimately, the dentist recommends a treatment that is best for the patient overall. The insurance recommends a treatment that is less expensive for the insurance company and mainly benefits the insurance company. And the patient is left with the decision of which path to choose. It is very frustrating both for the patient and the health care team because often cost is a deciding factor for treatment. But, it is important to remember long-term costs as well in deciding treatment plans with your dentist.

Why Doesn't My Insurance Pay For This?

Every insurance is different. When your employer sits down with an insurance carrier, they determine what plan you are going to be on and the benefits. If you have an individual plan that you purchased on your own, most often there are waiting periods with little reimbursement. There is no regulation as to how insurance companies determine reimbursement levels, resulting in wide fluctuation. Insurance companies are not required to disclose how they determine these fees. Subscribers are generally told that the insurance determines their fees by zip code and that the doctor's fees are higher. (this is not true). The American Dental Association (ADA) has actually investigated how often fee schedules are updated. They found that most often they are only done once in every 10 to 20 years. The exception is Delta Dental, they update their fees yearly to determine the maximum amount in which they will pay.

This answer was written by Priscilla, our office manager. She is responsible for insurance billing and is very knowledgeable on this subject. If you have insurance questions for Priscilla, she is very excited to answer them! Please leave your questions in the comment field and Priscilla will respond.

Medications that can cause a sweet or salty taste:

Medications are listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand names are listed in parenthesis:

captopril (Capoten), chlorhexadine (Peridex), fluorouracil (Adrucil), lithium (Lithobid, Lithane), nifedipine (Procardia).

Medications that can cause altered taste:

Medications are listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand names are listed in parenthesis:

amiodarone (Cordarone), Amoxapine (amytal), azathioprine (Imuran), bupropion (Wellbutrin), butorphanol (stadol), cefadroxil (Duracef), cefamandole (mandol), cefpodoxime (vantin), cephalexin (keflex), clompiramine, (anafranil), cyclobenzaprine, (flexeril), desipramine (norpamin), diltiazem (cardizem), didanosine (Videx), dipyridamole (Persantine), Doxazosin (cardura), estazolam(Prosom), Eszopiclone (lunesta), etodolac (lodine), famotidine (pepcid), felbamate (felbatol), flecainide (tambocor), flunisolide (Aerobid), fluphenazine (prolixin), flurazepam (Dalmane), Foscarnet (foscavir), fosinopril (monopril), glipizide (glucotrol), granisteron (kytril), griseofulvin (Fulvicin), Interferon alpha (intron A), Isotretinoin (Accutane) {sour taste}, ketoprofen (orudis), ketorolac (toradol), labetalol (normodyne, trandate), lisinopril (prinivil, zestril), lithium (lithobid, lithane), Loratadine (claritin), metformin (glucophage), minocycline (minocin), misoprostol (cytotec), nifedipine (procardia), oxaprozin (daypro), pergolide (permax), propylthiouracil, pseudoephedrine (sudafed), rimantadine (flumadine), sertraline (zoloft), sumatriptan (imitrex), tolbutamide (tolinase), topiramate (topamax), trazodone (desyrel), triazolam (halcion), trimipramine (surmontil), zidovudine (retrovir), zolpidem (ambien).

Medications that can cause Dry Mouth:

Medications are listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand names are listed in parenthesis:

Amiloride (Midamor), Amitriptyline (Elavil), Amoxapine (Amytal), Amphetamines (Adderall), Benztropine (cogentin), Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clemastine (Tavist), Clomipramine (Anafranil), clonidine (Catapres), clozaprine (Clozaril), cyclizine (Marezine), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Cyproheptadine (Periactin), Desipramine (Norpramin), Diazepam (Valium), Dicycloine (Bentyl), Didanosine (Videx), Doxazosin (Cardura), Doxepin (Sinequan), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (luvox), Granisetron (Kytril), Guanfacine (tenex), Hyoscyamine (anaspaz), Ibuprofen (Motrin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Interferon alpha (Intron A), Ipratropium (Atrovent), Isotretinoin (Accutane), Ketoprofen (orudis), Ketorolac (toradol), Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa), Lithium (lithobid, Lithane), Loratadine (Claritin), Methyldopa (Aldomet), Mirtazapine (Remeron), Morphine (MS Contin), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Omeprazole (prilosec), ondansetron (zofran), oxybutynin (ditropan), paroxetine (paxil), pentoxifylline (trental), pphenelzine (nardil), promethazine (phenergan), propafenone (Rythmol), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Risperidone (Risperdal), Rizatriptan (maxalt), Selegiline (Eldepryl), sertraline (zoloft), Sucralfate (Carafate), Terazosin (Hytrin), Tolterodine (Detrol), Topiramate (Topamax), Trazodone (Desyrel), Triazolam (halcion), venlafaxine (effexor)

Medications that can Cause Decreased Taste:

Listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand name medications are listed in parenthesis:

Diltiazem (Cardizem), Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), enalapril (vasotec), Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), Etidronate (didronel), Flunisolide (aerobid, nasalide), Fosinopril (Monopril), Ibuprofen (motrin), Imipramine (tofranil), indomethacin (indocin), ketoprofen (orudis), Levodopa (dopar, larodopa), Lisinopril (zestril, prinivil), Methimazole (tapazole), methotrexate (rheumatrex), nifedipine (procardia), nitroglycerin (nitrostat), oxaprozin (daypro), Oxazepam (serax), penicillamine (cuprimine), Pentamidine (pentam), Piperacillin (pipracil), Pirbuterol (maxair), Piroxicam (Feldene), Promethazine (phenergan), Propylthiouracil, Rimantadine (flumadine), terbinafine (Lamisil), Triamterene (dyrenium), Venlafaxine (Effexor), Vincristine (oncovin), zinc nasal gel (zicam)

Medications that can Cause Bitter Taste:

Medications are listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand names are listed in parenthesis:

Acetazolamide (Diamox), Tylenol (acetaminophen), amphetamines (Adderall), Xanax (alprazolam), carbamazepine (Tegretol), Amiloride (Midamor), Cisplatin (Platinol), Amitriptyline (elavil), Fluorouracil (Adrucil), Ampicillin (Omnipen), Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monoket), Aspirin, Levodopa (dopar, Larodopa), Baclofen (Lioresal)
Metolazone (Zaroxolyn), Carboplatin (Paraplatin), Moricizine (Ethmozine), Cisplatin (Platinol), Procainamide (Procan), Corticosteroids (medrol dose pak), Risperidone (Risperdal), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Sulindac (Clinoril), Diazoxide (Hyperstat)

Is your food tasting different?

Taste can be impaired by colds, gingivitis, nerve damage, zinc deficiency, and aging. Altered taste sensations cause people to add excess salt or sugar to their diets or to stop eating. If you are one of the two million Americans afflicted by a taste disturbance it may be due to what is in your medicine cabinet.

Some of the most common medications that can cause your food to taste differently may surprise you. Some medications can cause dry mouth, a state called “xerostomia.” In dry mouth little or no saliva is present to help break down food, so the food tastes dry and bland. Common medications that cause this are: anticholinergics (ie: dicyclomine, Atrovent®), antihistamines (ie: diphenhydramine, Claritin®), and tricyclics (amitriptyline, nortriptyline). {We will have a complete list of medications in a future article}

Are you having trouble sleeping at night and are one of millions of people who take Lunesta®? Lunesta® can cause a metallic aftertaste in up to one-third of patients; metallic after taste can also occur in the antibiotics metronidazole (flagyl®) and clarithromycin (biaxin®). Try grape juice after taking the dose to decrease the after-taste on these medications.

If you have high blood pressure you are probably taking an ACE inhibitor, Angiotensin Receptor blocker, or a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine) and these medications can alter your taste buds. ACE inhibitors like captopril or lisinopril can cause a metallic, sweet, or salty taste. Taste buds depend on zinc to work and these medications bind zinc at the taste receptor causing taste disturbances. Angiotensin Receptor blockers (Cozaar®, Hyzaar®) can cause this as well but the incidence is lower.

Dr. McCargar urges patients to discuss medication side effects with their doctors and pharmacists and says never to stop taking a medication unless advised by the prescriber to do so.

Your Questions Answered by Lynn

Q: Which floss is best, waxed or unwaxed?
A: "The best type of floss is truly a personal preference. If contacts between the teeth are tight, an unwaxed floss may snag and leave floss fragments caught in between the teeth. My personal favorite is Glide. Since it has a Teflon coating, it slides between all areas, and if it breaks, it breaks clean, not leaving anything caught between the teeth."

Q: If I swish with Listerine, do I still have to floss?
A: "Yes! Although Listerine does kill bacteria, the product is unable to remove the plaque that is present between the teeth that only floss can remove.

Q: What is the best type of toothbrush on the market?
A: "Any type of toothbrush with soft bristles will be effective in plaque removal. Just avoid any brush with a medium or hard bristle. These types of brushes won't clean as well as soft brushes and can actually cause the gums to recede."

Feel free to leave your question in the comments section!! Lynn will answer your questions in her next segment. Thank you to everyone who submitted a question!

Feel Free to Contact our Office

We have been getting great feedback on our blog. Some things that people are asking about can specifically be answered over the phone by our health care team. We just wanted to take a moment to let you know that if you are a patient or are thinking about becoming a patient of Scottsdale Dental Arts we can answer your questions! Our front dental office is very knowledgeable about insurance and billing. Each person's dental insurance is very different and so it is best to examine the plan on an individual basis. Dr. McCargar specializes in cosmetic dentistry as well as general dentistry. Dr. McCargar treats toothaches, TMJ, tooth abscesses, cavities, etc., and is skilled and experienced in smile makeovers and veneers. His hygiene team has over 15 years of experience in helping patients to prevent cavities. Dr. McCargar is a dentist located in Scottsdale Arizona near to the 101 & Shea. The office is currently accepting new patients. Please contact our office at 480-860-8282 or visit our website at http://www.scottsdaledentalarts.com (or click the title of this article for a direct link) We look forward to hearing from you!

Furthermore, if you have additional dentistry topics that you would like covered on the blog, then please feel free to leave any comments! We are getting great questions & will continue to update the blog to answer these questions! Thanks for your support!

Dentistry in the news...

BASF HOPES TO MARKET CAVITY-INHIBITING PRODUCT

Apr. 2, 2009 08:30 AM
Associated Press

NEW YORK - BASF, the world's largest chemical maker, says it has found a way to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from attacking teeth, a development that could be seen in toothpaste, mouthwash and even candy as early as next year.

Using a microorganism related to those used in yogurt cultures, the Germany-based company said it has engineered a process that clusters harmful bacteria in the mouth before they can bind with sugar and form plaque.

The organism and plaque-causing bacteria are then swallowed as part of the mouth's natural cleaning process.

It's safe to swallow the bacteria, known by the scientific name Streptococcus mutans, because it's regularly found in the mouth and humans already digest it constantly, the company said.

"There is a complex dynamic of bacteria that grow on the teeth," said University of Connecticut Health Center's Jason Tanzer, who studied BASF's results and is presenting his findings at an industry conference Thursday. "They can stick to those surfaces and form a film or they can be swallowed."

As part of his study, Tanzer fed two groups of rats a diet high in sugar, but put BASF's product, known as pro-t-action, in only one group's food.

Tooth decay in the group of rats using pro-t-action was far less pronounced than in the group not using the product, a development that Tanzer said was promising.

"I would be rather optimistic about this product," he said.

The active organism in pro-t-action is effectively dead, meaning it doesn't need to be kept cool - like yogurt - and can be used in a wide array of products like sugar-free candy, gum, toothpaste, and possibly beverages like smoothies. To be effective, the product needs to be in the mouth for about 10 to 15 seconds.

"This is not a replacement" for brushing, said Markus Pompejus, a BASF scientist who helped develop the product. "But it clearly helps to improve your daily oral hygiene."

BASF developed pro-t-action with OrganoBalance, a Berlin-based microbiology company.

More Q & A with Lynn:

Q: I have bad breath. What can I do?
A: "There can be many contributing factors to bad breath such as cavities, diet, or systemic illnesses. However, the main culprit is usually the back of the tongue where odor-causing bacteria are present. Using a tongue scraper or brush will effectively remove the bacteria that causes mouth odors."

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: "Being able to help people on a daily basis. I try to encourage every patient in a positive manner without giving the brushing "lecture." No one wants to hear a lecture. I am your partner in reaching and maintaining good oral health and I will always work as a team with you to help you in this lifelong process."

If you have any questions that you would like answered by Lynn feel free to leave a comment & we would be happy to answer!!