Are Silver Filings A Health Hazard? Find Out

Amalgam, a popular dental filling, is the product of combining silver and mercury. With concerns about Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis being caused by mercury poisoning, some believe that the mercury in amalgam leaking from fillings could be a culprit. 

Medical experts and health organizations are not seeing links between the diseases and amalgam. The American Dental Association is maintaining their stance on amalgam being safe for dental filling material. Those statements are backed up by the Public Health Service and the World Health Organization. 

 Silver Fillings: Not Harmful to Health (Photo Courtesy eHow)

Several medical studies examining the effects of inorganic dental filling mercury on humans have ruled out any connection between amalgam and effects on the body. Experts cite the elemental, inorganic nature of the mercury in amalgam as a product that cannot be detrimental to human health. They add that one form of absorbable mercury, methyl mercury, can be absorbed into the digestive system and might cause cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.

And many people are easily influenced by rumors and hearsay regarding amalgam—even when confronted by scientific facts claiming their health will not be affected. These falsities come in the form of articles that claim that chewing gum causes poisoning from mercury dental filling leaks as well as videos of supposed mercury vapor emitting from a person’s mouth. The latter is easily dismissed, as mercury cannot vaporize in one’s mouth unless the human body is at 673 degrees Fahrenheit.

For those seeking alternatives to amalgam fillings, there are several. Porcelain has the distinction of looking like tooth enamel and bending well to the shape of the teeth, though it is more expensive than the silver-and-mercury material and does not last as long. Resin is less resilient compared to porcelain and is primarily for minor cavities. 

If you have silver fillings and you are considering replacement for cosmetic reasons, American Dental Plan can help you save on dental care. Check out our list of benefits and providers in Arizona.

Dental Implants: Benefits Extend Beyond Aesthetics

It is proven that people who have nice teeth smile more, while individuals with missing teeth or a lot of decay do not smile very often. Just the mere act of smiling, even if others are not present to witness it improves attitude. The loss of one’s teeth impacts more than just mood or attitude. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet, because some foods are hard to chew. Bone loss from missing teeth causes facial features to change, and people tend to get that hallow look in their cheeks.

People who do not have all of their teeth would love to consider dental restoration, cosmetic repairs and implants. But there are greater benefits to oral restoration using benefits than just a great smile. 

(Dental Implant Photo Colgate.com)

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are comprised of titanium and they work as a tooth root attached to a special crown which screws into the jawbone to maintain the structure of a natural tooth. They are the best alternative and replacement for missing teeth. They actually help maintain the same infrastructure of the mouth as real teeth, so that is the main difference between crowns, dentures and bridges, which are more superficial in structure.

It’s true, implants are more expensive, but consider the long term benefits:

• Dental implants help prevent bone loss 
• They enhance the quality of your life: Get a beautiful, natural looking smile that lasts a lifetime. 
• There are no eating or food restrictions with implants, and you can chew all foods without issues
• You can actually taste and enjoy the flavor of foods  which is not the case with dentures

Dental implants are the best replication of our actual teeth, so it is permanent and not subject to some of the issues experienced with crowns (gum swelling, gingivitis, irritations)

When considering oral restoration, consider dental implants. The best way to find out if they are within your financial reach is to meet with a specialist and get a treatment plan and learn about financing options.

National Chidren's Dental Health Month Call To Action: Teach, Educate and Care for Your Kids' Teeth

Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Teaching our children the importance of good oral care is a necessary part of parenting. The earlier you start educating your kids, the better.

If it is easy for dental care to slip our minds as adults, then most likely, it is much easier for our children to forget.

Think about it, for many of us, we may not even visit the dentist until there is discomfort - an ache or pain. We all know what that means, if there is pain, then decay or cavities may be at the “root” of the problem. Remember, root issues can lead to “rotten” results, which means bigger bills in the long run.

Most kids do not know the little signs leading up to bigger dental problems. They only know there is an issue when pain is involved, which is when they will communicate and complain to parents to inform them.
For the little ones, tooth decay is preventable if we follow a few simple rules as parents:

·         Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles filled with anything but water

·         Do not let toddlers carry sippy cups filled with sweetened drinks all day

·         It is best to quench their thirst, but not to keep re-filling with milk and/or sugary drinks, because they can cause decay.

At American Dental Plan, we offer a discount dental plan that can help you save up to 40% on dental care for your entire family. Yearly membership fees start as low as $59! And, with over 750 participating independent dentists throughout Arizona, you are sure to find a location to accommodate you and your family.
When is the best time to start setting dentist appointments for your tots? The answer is – as soon as their teeth start growing in. If a child has healthy baby teeth, chances are he or she will have healthy adult teeth as well.

Best And Worst Foods For Teeth: Top Seven

Here we are into a New Year! Most people make resolutions or at least try to commit to healthier habits. To help you make better food and drink decisions to promote better oral health, here are the top seven best and worst foods and beverages for your teeth:

Best List: Foods that Stimulate Saliva, Neutralize Acids and Provide Vitamins and Minerals

1.      Fruits and Vegetables: Colorful, high fiber fruits and vegetables are “best friends” to our diet and oral health. They stimulate saliva production, neutralize acids, and clean our teeth, and they give us a dose of vitamins and minerals.

2.      Water: Rinsing agent and hydration works to prevent decay.

3.      Dairy Products: Good source of calcium and vitamin D.

4.      Xylitol: This sugarless, plant-derived sweetner fights against bacteria.

5.      Green/Black Tea: Contain polyphenols that suppresses bacteria and plaque build-up

6.      Vitamins/Minerals: A, D and C are great for teeth, but foods that provide other minerals and nutrients include: potatoes, spinach, fish, chicken, beef, beans, grains, tofu and eggs.

7.      Nuts: They contain: Calcium, Vitamin D, Fiber, Folic Acid, Iron, Thiamine, Niacin, Zinc, potassium, magnesium, E and B6.

 Healthy and Unhealthy Choices for Your Teeth

Worst List: Acid and Foods that are High in Sugar, Convert to Sugar or Create Bacteria and

1.      Soda, Carbonated Sugary Drinks: They contain sugar and acids that eat away and erode tooth enamel.

2.      Some Energy/Sports Drinks: They may claim to be healthy, but they can be highly acidic and full of sugar.

3.      Things That Create Cotton/Dry Mouth: Alcoholic beverages, medications, and fluoride rinses can dehydrate the mouth and hurt gums and teeth.

4.      High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sweetners, Sugar and Candy: Sugary, sticky, gooey caramelized foods are high in sugar, damage the surface of teeth and cause cavities.

5.      Dried Fruits: Believe it or not, raisins, prunes and apricots can be like chewy candy, and they can find and trap sugars in and around the teeth.

6.      High Acidic Foods/Drinks: Orange juice, lemons and grapefruits can be good for teeth, but sucking and consuming too much of them without rinsing can break down enamel.

7.      Foods High in Starch: White bread, fries, chips, and processed foods convert to sugar and cause bacteria and a break down in enzymes.