Showing posts with label cavities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cavities. Show all posts

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Sugarless Gum and Xylitol Help Fight Cavities!

Good afternoon from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam , Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

We all  love chewing gum, the proof is all over our streets- we chew gum and after it looses its taste we spit it on the street ( well, maybe not all of us do that, but a great number unfortunately do! ).  However, not just any gum being sold in the store is actually helping us in our fight against cavities. 

 The American Dental  Association ( ADA) has created a list of products that have met its requirements to be awarded with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which is an indicator that the product owning it has met the requirements needed and the manufacturer has accordingly presented the corresponding data from clinical or laboratory studies that support the product's safety, effectiveness and promotional claims  ot in other words that it basically does what is advertised on the packaging.

The products in the group of the chewing gum contain Xylitol which reduces decay-causing bacteria.  By using Xylitol products throughout the day, bacteria is prevented from adhering to the enamel and creating the acids that damage the teeth. Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel, normalize the  pH levels, prevents demineralization.  Xylitol's naturally cooling and sweet tastes also increase saliva production which is another way to fight the growth of cavity causing bacteria.

 If you are a regular gum chewer and can not help it but chew often, here is a link to the ADA approved sugar free gums on the market: http://ow.ly/l6jQc

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References: http://www.xylitol.org





Thursday, December 20, 2012

Dry Mouth: More Than Just a Nuisance

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song!

It should be easy to seal an envelope, but those who suffer from a condition called xerostomia, or "dry mouth," usually have to reach for some tape instead. It may not sound traumatic, but it's a bigger nuisance than you might realize. Dry mouth can not only hinder your enjoyment of food, but affect the health of your teeth.

Heavy plaque and food accumulations tend to occur with this condition, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is the body's self-cleansing mechanism. It helps remove food, debris, and plaque from the tooth surfaces, protecting you from oral diseases. It cleans your teeth and neutralizes acids, which prevents tooth decay. People who have dry mouth are very susceptible to cavities, especially on the roots of their teeth.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are a number of known causes of dry mouth. It can be part of the normal aging process, caused by medication or the result of cancer therapy, nerve damage or other health conditions. Smoking and chewing tobacco can contribute as well. Symptoms include: difficulty speaking or swallowing, a burning sensation on your tongue, an altered sense of taste, sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth, bad breath and increased plaque or tooth decay.

What Can I Do about It?

If you feel you're suffering from dry mouth, see a doctor for diagnosis. If a physician believes medication is to blame, he or she may adjust your dosage. You might also be prescribed something to stimulate saliva production. If the cause of the problem can't be resolved, there are a few things you can do to make life easier. Try to get your saliva flowing by sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum. To protect your teeth, brush with a fluoride toothpaste. It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with our staff at 212-689-0024. You can also email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com  any time. A prescription toothpaste or brush-on fluoride gel may be in order.


Additional self-care includes:

  • Sipping plenty of water throughout the day
  • Over-the-counter saliva substitutes
  • Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth
  • Using a humidifier at night
  • If you use tobacco, kick the habit

Best Regards,


Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.