Q: Are dental x-rays safe?
We are exposed to radiation everyday, from cosmic radiation (space), terrestrial radiation, and from materials in buildings and even your TV. If we took 18 PA's ( or 18 films) and a panorex film every 4 months for the rest of your life you would have the same risk of exposure as someone living at a very high elevation, such as Denver, just from naturally occurring surrounding radiation.
That being said, we take every precaution to minimize your exposure despite the low dosage you receive from taking a dental film. We use a lead apron to protect those organs most susceptible to radiation and we also minimize your exposure by using digital radiography.
Q: Should my child get sealants?
Sealants are a wonderful way to prevent decay on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. The tops of your back teeth have small pits and grooves that a toothbrush can't reach. Children and young teenagers greatly benefit because when teeth erupt into their mouth they present with lots of anatomy. As we age and use our teeth we flatten the tops of our teeth and eliminate some of the very detailed anatomy. That is why sealants are very important for kids and young adults. However, adults are susceptible to decay as well and could also benefit from sealants. Keep in mind that sealants do wear down over time and at each check up we will check them and touch them up if need be.
Q: Are silver fillings safe?
Silver fillings or dental amalgam is an alloy consisting of silver, copper and also mercury. Consumers tend to fear the mercury aspect, but according to the ADA silver fillings have been "studied and reviewed extensively" and it has been determined that amalgam restorations are safe and extremely effective! Study after study has been conducted to assess the safety of dental amalgam and there has been no link to medical problems and silver fillings. According to the ADA most of our exposure to mercury is from eating fish and shellfish. For more information please visit ADA.org.
Q: I think my gums are receding, why?
Recession is the movement of the gum margin away from the crown of the tooth. In other words, more of your tooth's root may be exposed. This can create sensitivity and also produce root cavities. There are a few reason why recession occurs. Mal positioned teeth (crowding of teeth), heredity, trauma to your gingiva (gums) or just brushing too hard. Certainly, most people with periodontal disease experience recession. At your check up if you are experiencing recession we will try to figure out why and recommend different treatment options to halt or correct the problem.
Q: My Child sucks her thumb, at what age is it a problem?
Sucking on a thumb, multiple fingers or pacifier is a soothing habit some children develop. Usually the habit corrects itself between the ages of 2 and 4. If the habit persists past 4 you should discuss options to stop the habit with us and your pediatrician. Active thumb or pacifier suckers can alter the development of primary teeth and the roof of the mouth. Certainly ,the habit needs to be eliminated prior to the eruption of permanent teeth.
Q: How much fluoride should we have in our drinking water?
Drinking water with fluoride is important to prevent decay. Fluoride in drinking water is important for the strength of the developing tooth. So, kids six months and over should consume some level of fluoride. Nursing is the best way to assure infants get the nutrients they need. If you use formula it is best to use ready to feed formula (first 12 months). If you are concerned about the level of fluoride in your drinking water you can submit a sample to our local health department. The concentration of fluoride is usually presented as ppm which is equivalent to mg/liter. Optimal levels in your drinking water should be 0.7 to 1.2 ppm. If your drinking water exceeds 2 ppm you are at risk of dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a discoloration of the enamel of your teeth. In mild cases you might find small white lines or patches on the enamel of your teeth. More severe cases present with brown discoloration as well as pitting of the enamel. It is also possible to not have enough fluoride in your water. If you are on well water it is important to check the level of fluoride in your water, especially if there are young kids in your family, Dr. Vargas might recommend a supplement if there is insufficient fluoride. The EPA requires water suppliers to report if the fluoride concentration exceeds 2 PPM. So, you are more likely to have the appropriate levels of fluoride in your drinking water if you are on public water.
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