Adults Ask

A classic Mayo Clinic study concluded that good dental health actually translates into longer life (see note below). But the challenges of staying healthy change as we grow older. So here are a few of the questions we hear most often. If you need more information, we are only a phone call away.

Questions & Answers

• Can teeth be too white?

  Overly whitened teeth actually begin to look gray or translucent. If your teeth begin to look this way, lay off the bleach for a while. A good rule of thumb is that your teeth shouldn't be any whiter than the whites of your eyes.

• What causes dry mouth?

  The most common culprit is prescription medication. Over 400 of them include dry mouth as a possible side effect.

  If this is your experience, regular dental care is essential because the saliva leaves your teeth and tongue more vulnerable to the bacteria that cause decay.

  Candy Caution

  Sucking on hard candy provides temporary relief for some folks. However, the sugar in that candy can actually hasten tooth decay because, over time, there is less saliva to rinse the teeth.

  A far better alternative is sugar-free candy. Also, be on the lookout for gum or hard candy made with xylitol, a sugar-substitute that has been proven to inhibit tooth decay.

• Can I still get braces as an adult?

  There's no age limit on getting braces. (You probably know a teacher or two who have them.) If you want braces-or they have been recommended in the past-we work with a fine orthodontist who can discuss the best options for getting started.

• What does pH have to do with my mouth?

  pH (which stands for "potential of hydrogen") measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. High acidity in the mouth for prolonged periods is damaging to tooth enamel.

  If you regularly experience dry mouth, the acids in canned pops and some fruit juices can cause damage more quickly. Rinsing your mouth with water (pH neutral) after drinking soda or juice will minimize the acid as will regular brushing.

• Can I minimize the effects of smoking by using a whitener?

  You can use a whitener to minimize some discoloration. But the cost to your teeth is actually far greater than surface stains. Beyond what smoking does to your lungs (and breath), cancer causing chemicals are continually coming in contact with your gums, your tongue and cheeks. That makes smoking the leading cause of mouth cancers.

• What's the best toothpaste for me?

  Certainly one that tastes good to you, providing it has fluoride. For conditions like dry mouth, cold sensitivities, or frequent canker sores, we can provide advice about which toothpastes help and which tend to make matters worse.

• What does snoring have to do with dental health?

  Most people who snore breathe through the mouth, which means that oral dryness is a common side-effect. That, in turn, can give decay-causing bacteria an advantage. Thorough brushing before bed will go far to keep the bacteria at bay.

• What's the latest on fluoride?

  Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that strengthens tooth enamel. These days, you can benefit from fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste and mouth wash.

  If you are concerned about adequate levels of fluoride in your primary source of drinking water, we are willing to test it for you. If it is deficient, we may recommend a fluoride supplement. (If you drink commercially bottled water, check for fluoride content.)

• When do I need to get old fillings replaced?

  Generally, a filling only needs to be replaced if it becomes loose or the tooth shows signs of decay around the filling. Fillings of any kind will last the longest when you consistently care for your mouth and gums. Regular checkups can also extend the life of fillings because minor problems can be spotted and addressed.

• How long can I expect a crown to last?

  Crowns can last up to twenty years with good dental hygiene for the surrounding teeth. Occasionally, the location of a crown and a person's bite (or habits like teeth-grinding) will shorten the life of a crown, but the two biggest reasons crowns fail is surrounding decay or gum disease-both of which are preventable.

• Is an electric toothbrush better?

  Only if it makes it more fun to brush longer. A good goal is to brush for two minutes, and some electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that sounds off when you get there.

• Is diet soda better for my teeth?

  It's not just the sugar in soda that can cause damage. Diet soft drinks contain acid that attacks your teeth. And if you are drinking the diet versions of Coke, Pepsi, or Mountain Dew, that acid is almost as strong as what's in a car battery.

  For every sip you take, acid is on the attack for 20 minutes, weakening tooth enamel. The longer you sip, the more damage acid can do.

  The bottom line: Less is best. Milk is good. Water's better.

• Do prescription drugs affect my teeth?

  A number of commonly used medications include dry mouth as a side-effect, so it's always a good idea to ask your physician or pharmacist what to watch for any time you get a new prescription.

  If you are anticipating or undergoing cancer treatment, be sure to consult with your oncologist about possible implications for your teeth and gums.

• Are canker sores a dental problem?

  Canker sores (not to be confused with cold sores) are actually small ulcers that occur inside the mouth. They are very common and typically heal in a week or two. If an over-the-counter topical anesthetic or anti-microbial mouth wash doesn't minimize discomfort, we offer a treatment that relieves the pain instantly and promotes healing in 2-3 days.

Note: The study referenced above concluded that people lacking their natural teeth lived, on average, 10 years less than those who were able to keep their natural teeth.