According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health information to the public, “the study's findings are not applicable to modern dentistry because the study was based upon an examination of outdated radiographic techniques, which produced considerably more radiation than patients would be exposed to today.”

Similarly, the American Dental Association issued a statement indicating that the results of the study in question are “unreliable” and holds to its longstanding position that X-rays should continue to be used sparingly as necessary for diagnosis and treatment with the use of protective aprons and thyroid collars to reduce exposure to radiation.

Keep in mind that dental X-rays are valuable aides in detecting potentially serious oral health problems — many which cannot be detected via visual and physical examination — at an early stage. So, don’t let the media hype deter you from getting them.

Following is some information about the benefits of X-rays provided by the ADA:

What are the benefits of a dental radiograph examination?

Because many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth, an X-ray examination can help reveal:

• small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings);
• infections in the bone;
• periodontal (gum) disease;
• abscesses or cysts;
• developmental abnormalities;
• some types of tumors.

The amount of radiation that we are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to our daily exposure from things like, cosmic radiation and naturally-occurring radioactive elements (for example, those producing radon).

How often should radiographs be taken?

How often X-rays (radiographs) should be taken depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease you may be experiencing. For example, children may require X-rays more often than adults. This is because their teeth and jaws are still developing. Also their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults. Your dentist will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether or not you need radiographs.

If you are a new patient, the dentist may recommend radiographs to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify changes that may occur later. A new set of X-rays may be needed to help your dentist detect any new cavities, determine the status of your gum health or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth. If a previous dentist has any radiographs of you, your new dentist may ask you for copies of them. Ask both dentists to help you with forwarding your X-rays.

If you would like to read more information about dental X-rays, the benefits and risks, visit www.ada.org and discuss with your dentist.

The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.  Periodontal disease may be connected with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke). 

What can you do:

• Brush your teeth well twice a day
• Schedule regular dental appointments
• Tell your dentist about changes in your overall health
• If you are pregnant of thinking about becoming pregnant, pay close attention to your gums and teeth

Bad Breath

If you simply haven’t brushed today, then bad breath is something you’d expect, of course. But if bad breath persists despite your best oral hygiene efforts, then it could be a clue to a serious health issue.  It could signify periodontal disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, intestinal blockage, throat or lung infection, kidney failure or other life-threatening conditions.

Dry Mouth

It may simply mean that you need to drink more water or be the side effect of a medication you are taking, but persistent dry mouth without obvious explanation could indicate a number of conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, mumps, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson's disease or even impending stroke. Chances are whatever’s going on isn’t serious, but isn’t it best to explore the possibilities, especially if you’re experiencing other symptoms as well?

Brittle Teeth and Indigestion

If you’re teeth are cracking and breaking and you regularly find yourself battling heartburn, you could have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.  With this condition, stomach acids travel through the esophagus and back into the mouth, damaging the protective enamel on your teeth. You’ll want to see your dentist about repairing existing damage and your general practitioner about medications to prevent further damage.

Oral Sores

The occasional ulcer or canker sore is no cause for concern, but frequent outbreaks almost always indicate a problem. And these problems can range from something as benign as a vitamin deficiency to conditions as serious as cancer and HIV/AIDS. The best place to start in determining the cause is at your dentist’s office, so if you have recurring sores in your mouth, make an appointment right away.

Worn Teeth and a Headache

These symptoms, when paired together, could mean you’re a nighttime teeth grinder! Some people grind their teeth in their sleep, typically as a response to stress, and they don’t even realize they’re doing it. If teeth-grinding goes unchecked for a long period of time, it could cause serious damage to your teeth. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about a simple way to prevent damage … and find ways to relieve stress!

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web at www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, follow him on Facebook and Twitter, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811.

According to a report released by the clinic in February of 2009, common symptoms of HIV/AIDS include ulcers, dry mouth and mucosal lesions, and a weakening of the bone that supports your teeth could indicate osteoporosis. Other conditions that could make their presence known in your mouth before you’ve detected other symptoms include certain cancers, syphilis and gonorrhea.

In addition, the Mayo Clinic reports, poor dental health may even be at the root of or contribute to other health problems that would seem unrelated to dental health. This is because infections of the mouth such as gum disease can let bacteria enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc elsewhere in your body, they say.

Gum disease has been linked to premature birth among pregnant women, for instance. And poor oral health can make it more difficult to control diabetes. There is even evidence linking poor oral health to cardiovascular disease, including clogged arteries and stroke, although further study is needed to confirm this suspicion.

This is useful information that sends two important messages to each and every one of us: 1. Pay attention; and 2.) Use prevention.

Pay attention.

If anything in your mouth looks, feels or smells unusual, see your dentist right away. Toothaches, mouth pain, bleeding gums, oral lesions and persistent bad breath are not normal. Symptoms such as these indicate infection and should be treated by a professional.

Dentists and dental hygienists can identify infection quickly and easily, and with prompt treatment they can usually correct problems with minimal invasion and discomfort. They can refer you to a periodontist for more advanced problems; and, if they detect oral cancer or other conditions such as diabetes, they can refer you to the appropriate specialists.

Also, an annual physical examination by your family physician is always a good idea, but this is especially true if you have dental health problems.

Use prevention.

Prevention is your best defense. It saves you time, money, discomfort and pain. Most importantly, it could save your life. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, and floss at least once daily. All it takes is five minutes each day and the cost of a brush, paste and floss. Anyone can do it, regardless of schedule or budget, and it’s the most important factor in maintaining oral health.

Furthermore, make two hygiene visits to your dental office per year. You’ll get your teeth cleaned, perhaps some x-rays and have your mouth inspected for signs of disease and decay. It takes about two hours per year. Most insurances cover 100 percent of these visits, and even for those who are uninsured, these are generally affordable … more so than treatments to correct dental health problems, at any rate.

We are about to start a new year. If you are not already on top of your dental health, make this the year you turn that around. Many of our goals and aspirations are difficult to achieve, but this one is easy. You can do it!

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web at www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811.

According to a report released by the clinic in February of 2009, common symptoms of HIV/AIDS include ulcers, dry mouth and mucosal lesions, and a weakening of the bone that supports your teeth could indicate osteoporosis. Other conditions that could make their presence known in your mouth before you’ve detected other symptoms include certain cancers, syphilis and gonorrhea.

In addition, the Mayo Clinic reports, poor dental health may even be at the root of or contribute to other health problems that would seem unrelated to dental health. This is because infections of the mouth such as gum disease can let bacteria enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc elsewhere in your body, they say.

Gum disease has been linked to premature birth among pregnant women, for instance. And poor oral health can make it more difficult to control diabetes. There is even evidence linking poor oral health to cardiovascular disease, including clogged arteries and stroke, although further study is needed to confirm this suspicion.

This is useful information that sends two important messages to each and every one of us: 1. Pay attention; and 2.) Use prevention.

Pay attention.

If anything in your mouth looks, feels or smells unusual, see your dentist right away. Toothaches, mouth pain, bleeding gums, oral lesions and persistent bad breath are not normal. Symptoms such as these indicate infection and should be treated by a professional.

Dentists and dental hygienists can identify infection quickly and easily, and with prompt treatment they can usually correct problems with minimal invasion and discomfort. They can refer you to a periodontist for more advanced problems; and, if they detect oral cancer or other conditions such as diabetes, they can refer you to the appropriate specialists.

Also, an annual physical examination by your family physician is always a good idea, but this is especially true if you have dental health problems.

Use prevention.

Prevention is your best defense. It saves you time, money, discomfort and pain. Most importantly, it could save your life. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, and floss at least once daily. All it takes is five minutes each day and the cost of a brush, paste and floss. Anyone can do it, regardless of schedule or budget, and it’s the most important factor in maintaining oral health.

Furthermore, make two hygiene visits to your dental office per year. You’ll get your teeth cleaned, perhaps some x-rays and have your mouth inspected for signs of disease and decay. It takes about two hours per year. Most insurances cover 100 percent of these visits, and even for those who are uninsured, these are generally affordable … more so than treatments to correct dental health problems, at any rate.

We are about to start a new year. If you are not already on top of your dental health, make this the year you turn that around. Many of our goals and aspirations are difficult to achieve, but this one is easy. You can do it!

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web at www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811.

It’s true. It’s just not the sort of thing our colleagues, customers or even friends and family want to tell us. So, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to ask someone you trust whether you have a breath problem. You might be surprised by their answer. Persistent bad breath could be a sign of an underlying infection or other health malady, and at the least, it’s a problem you’ll want to take care of for social concerns.

Bad breath — or halitosis as it’s termed in the medical realm — could be caused by any number of factors. Following are some tips for preventing and treating bad breath.

Brush and floss regularly.

Food particles on your teeth and trapped in the crevices between your teeth encourage bacterial growth, which creates a foul odor. The more frequently you can brush and floss, the better.

Chew gum.

Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva and attracts food particles away from your teeth. Because sugar promotes tooth decay, we recommend the sugar-free varieties. Plus, the flavoring in gum helps to mask odors.

Brush or scrape your tongue.

Many people skip this step during regular brushings, but your tongue can harbor a multitude of odor-causing bacteria. Simply use your toothbrush, or head to the dental care section of most any drug store and invest in a tongue scraper. These handy tools come in various shapes and styles and are highly effective at removing debris.

Use an oral rinse.

Read the labels, though. Many popular mouthwashes on the market serve only to mask odors temporarily. Make sure you buy a product that displays the word “antibacterial” on the label. And, if odor is a persistent issue, talk to your dentist about a prescription medical-grade rinse.

Watch your diet.

            Certain foods do cause odor. The clichés are true. Onion and garlic odors really can linger for hours. Alcohol, too. That’s not to say you can’t ever indulge, but when you play, you pay. Just be mindful of what you ingest before that important business meeting or big date.

Don’t smoke.

Tobacco products cause bad breath. It’s a fact.

Check your prescription labels.

Bad breath is a common side effect of many medications. If “dry mouth” is a side effect, this too can cause bad breath. You should not stop taking a needed medication for this reason. But, if this problem is particularly bothersome to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative medications that may work just as well without this pesky side effect.

Visit your dentist.

If you are practicing all the good habits outlined here and still the problem persists, that’s a bad sign. You likely suffer from gum disease or some other sort of oral infection. Your dentist will have to intervene through antibiotic therapy and/or a clinical procedure. The sooner you see your dentist, the sooner your infection — and the bad breath it’s causing — can be cleared up.

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web at www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811, and look for him on Facebook and Twitter.

After all, you’ve got a baby on the way, and you want to give your bundle of joy the healthiest start in life, right? Of course you do. Still, one area often overlooked by pregnant women is their dental health. Pregnancy can pose a strain on your body, and your mouth is no exception. Increased acidity in the mouth during pregnancy increases your risk of tooth decay. And, if morning sickness is causing you to vomit, your teeth are even more vulnerable. In fact, roughly half pregnant women fall prey to prenatal gingivitis.

Furthermore, heightened estrogen and progesterone levels can affect the ligaments and bones that support your teeth and inflame your gums, increasing your chances of losing teeth and developing gum disease. Some women even experience “pregnancy tumors” — overgrowths of gum tissue between the teeth that may bleed and ache.

What’s worse, untreated dental problems can pose risks to your fetus. Pregnant women with gum disease are at higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-birth-weight infants. And, in general, gum disease leads to a weakened immune system, which could increase your chances of contracting influenza and other potentially serious illnesses.

So, during pregnancy, it’s even more critical than usual to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque at least twice each day and especially before bedtime. Also, try to floss every day. If you forget every now and then, that’s okay, but make it a daily goal to get it done.

Be sure to keep your routine dental checkup appointments. If you are not in the habit of visiting the dentist at least twice annually, for whatever reason (and you really should be in that habit), be sure to schedule one now, especially if you notice changes in your mouth, such as red and tender gums.

Bottom line is there’s nothing more precious to a mother than her baby. Preventative care is as easy as brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist. Don’t take risks where your health and your baby’s health is concerned.

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web at www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811, and look for him on Facebook and Twitter.

Sometimes even when we’re careful, things happen, though. If you should injure your mouth or break a dental appliance, it’s best to call your dentist right away and schedule an appointment for the same day. If your dentist does not offer same-day appointments in emergency situations, you should seriously consider finding one who does. Early treatment following an injury saves teeth. Wait too long, and it could be too late to save yours!

Dental injuries can be scary, but freaking out will only exacerbate the problem, so try to remain calm and take the following tips from the American Dental Association. It’s a good idea to clip and save this for future reference.

Bitten Lip or Tongue

Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.

Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the area to keep any swelling down. Call your dentist immediately.

Cracked Tooth

Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that has the cracked tooth, and call your dentist to schedule and appointment.

Jaw-Possibly Broken

Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth

Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you!

Objects Caught Between Teeth

Try to gently remove the object with dental floss; avoid cutting the gums. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object using dental floss, contact your dentist.

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web at www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811, and look for him on Facebook and Twitter.

Not only does saliva wash away bacteria into our stomachs, where they are broken down during the digestive process, but it also contains proteins that break down plaque and neutralize toxins.  Think of it as nature’s antibiotic.

So, there’s good news here. An ally in the fight for good health is made continuously and in abundant quantity right in our own mouths. And there are simple steps we can take to help our saliva do its job. In fact, most of us find these therapies enjoyable and refreshing. Your kids will even be excited! 

As counterintuitive as it may seem — and to the contrary of what you may have been told by dentists in the past — chewing gum can help you maintain dental health. That’s right! The key is to make sure the gum is sugar free and to chew it after meals. This loosens food particles that may have adhered to your teeth and stimulates saliva to wash it away so it won’t form plaque over the course of the day.  

With the balmy South Louisiana summer looming, now’s a good time for a reminder about the importance of proper hydration. Maintaining adequate water intake is integral to overall health year round, and it is especially important during the hot summer months, when we are more likely to lose fluids through sweat. Dehydration can have serious consequences, and they start in our mouths.

Saliva production is diminished when we aren’t properly hydrated. So, be prepared. Always keep a bottle of water handy and in ample supply when engaging in strenuous outdoor activities. Pure water really is best, perhaps with a spritz of lemon or lime if that makes it more enticing. Save the sugary soft drinks for special occasions, a these promote tooth decay. Also avoid drinks that contain caffeine. a diuretic that counteracts the benefits you’re aiming to achieve. Besides, nothing quenches your thirst on a hot summer day quite like a tall glass of ice-cold H2O.

It’s as easy as that, folks. Chew some sugar-free gum, drink plenty of water, and keep that saliva flowing. And remember: Sometimes our strongest allies are where we least expect to find them!

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web atwww.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811, and look for him on Facebook and Twitt

Teeth can affect a person’s overall appearance dramatically. And, unfortunately, society often judges us by our appearance. Right or wrong, fair or not fair, people make assumptions about us based on the condition of our teeth. Straight, white teeth are associated with wealth, education and sophistication; whereas crooked, chipped or stained teeth have negative associations.

Those with poor teeth can miss out on many of life’s opportunities, not only because of the way people judge us but just as much of the fear we feel that they might judge us. Depending on the severity of the problems and how much we worry, bad teeth can have truly debilitating effects on our lives.

With Christmas coming and the impending new year, now’s a great time to consider giving the gift of a beautiful smile to yourself or someone you love. Just imagine the difference this gift could make in your life or in the life of your spouse, child, parent or other loved one!

Cosmetic options abound. To get those pearly whites as white and pearly as possible, ask your dental office about ZOOM! Whitening. This quick and easy procedure involving a hydrogen peroxide-based gel and lamp is performed in the dentist’s office in a matter of minutes and has lasting results. Many dentists offer take-home tooth whitening kits, too, with trays custom-made for your mouth, which you fill with a solution and wear at night periodically.

The newest way to fix a less-than-stellar set of teeth is through a product called Snap-On Smile. An alternative to long and painful surgical reconstructive procedures that involve pulling, filing and/or implanting false teeth, Snap-On enables patients to overlay a removable appliance atop existing teeth, and results are remarkable. Snap-On may be removed at night or anytime and worn whenever desired. Snap-On isn’t cheap, but the results and the confidence they bring are worth every penny.

Bonding is a procedure that can improve the appearance of chipped or broken teeth. With bonding, a tooth-colored material is applied to existing teeth to fill-in broken or misshapen areas. Instead or in addition to bonding, you may also consider enamel shaping, which involves removing or contouring parts of your teeth.

Veneers are another option. Made of tooth-colored material, veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front side of the teeth. Them of course, there are always braces. Braces have come a long way over the years. Some are clear. Others are applied to the backs of the teeth. They can not only straighten teeth but also correct overbites, underbites and other problems related to the alignment of the jaw. Your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist if you’re a candidate for braces.

So, give yourself or your loved one the gift of confidence this year! Talk to your dentist about options and make a plan to move forward. You’ll never regret it!

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., has served Acadiana residents with a general dentistry and specialty practice since 1970. Find his practice on the Web at www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com, visit the office at 3703 Johnston St., Lafayette, or call 981.9811, and look for him on Facebook and Twitter.