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Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. Unlike other diseases, however, caries is not life threatening and is highly preventable, though it affects most people to some degree during their lifetime. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars). Examples are soda pop, candy,…
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Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth when the salivary glands do not work properly. The salivary glands help keep your mouth moist, which helps prevent decay and other oral health problems. Dry mouth may be a sign of a serious health condition or may occur when…
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Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin plastic film for the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars (the teeth directly in front of the molars). Sealants are highly effective in the prevention of cavities. They were developed through dental research in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was…
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Dental Amalgams (Silver Fillings)
Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury makes up about 45-50 percent of the compound. Mercury helps to bind the metals together and to provide a strong, hard durable filling. After years of research, mercury has been found…