What’s all the commotion about fluoride being bad for you? Fluoride is an awesome mineral which helps prevent cavities and reduce tooth sensitivity. Fluoride is found in toothpaste, rinses, water and food. It is unfortunate how many people are misinformed about the dangers and toxicity of fluoride. Anything in large doses can be considered toxic. For example, sugars in large amounts may lead to obesity, diabetes and many other diseases. Calcuim in large amounts can lead to kidney disease and hypercalcemia. High salt intake can lead to hypertension. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to death. I can name numerous toxic minerals and chemicals if not taken in moderation can cause damage.  Fluoride is safe and effective when used as directed.

There are many dental companies, dentist schools/universities, and dental researchers who have done many studies, spent countless hours, and spent millions of dollars to make sure that fluoride has more benefits over disadvantages.  Fluoride is safe and cost effective. Fluoride reduces tooth decay, prevents needless infection, suffering and loss of teeth, and saves alot of money in dental treatment cost. The United States Centers for Disease  Control, CDC,  has reports that  advocate fluoride.  For more information, click http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm. The FDA , Food and Drug Admistration and EPA, Environment Protective Agency has not issued warnings, so why are people saying that fluoride is bad?

So how does fluoride work you ask?  Fluoride prevents bacteria that cause plaque from sticking to and demineralizing teeth which causes tooth decay and sensitivity. Fluoride helps the calcium and phosphate molecules on your tooth to become more difficult for bacteria to adhere to. It is like a thin seal  or coating around the enamel. For more information go to  http://fluorideinfo.org/

Overall, fluoride is safe and beneficial to people of all ages when used as directed. At Smile Innovations, our team actively  promote healthy smiles and teeth, so make sure you are brushing and flossing twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.

Dr Linda Ma DMD

Have you met a person whose breath you can smell a mile away?  Are the teeth moving and have loads of plaque and tartar on it?  Are the gums red and bleeding?  If the answer is yes, you have gum disease.

People often tell me that they have bad teeth, their parents had bad teeth and grandparents had dentures when they were 30 years old.  They are fearful and sad because they feel will lose their teeth and be in a denture.  Bad teeth are due to neglect, poor oral hygiene, and poor eatting habits.  Too much sugar, little or no brushing and flossing, and overgrowth off bacteria will lead to decay and tooth loss.  The bacteria in the mouth cause gingivitis and periodontitis, gum disease. Gingivitis is inflamation of the gums. Through time, the gingivitis will develop into an infection which leads to gum disease.  Gum disease means bone loss, bleeding gums and bad breath. The bone in your mouth is what supports the teeth. Without bone, the teeth will eventually fall out. The bleeding gums and the smelly breath is caused by the bacteria on the surfaces of the teeth.

To prevent and control gum disease, a dental hygienist will do a scaling and root planning which means cleaning the teeth below and around the gum. Bacteria, tartar, and plaque will be removed. In some cases a medicine is placed on the gums to further kill the bacteria.  After the treatment is done, it is your responsibility to brush, floss, eat properly and maintain your oral health. The hygienist will schedule you back to help you maintain the gum disease and keep it under control. If you stop the maintaining your hygiene, the disease will come back.  To maintain healthy teeth and gums, go regularly to the dentist for routine check ups and maintainence. This will save you lots of time, money, and pain.

Dr. Linda Ma DMD