One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Have a great day!

With spring here, many children, teens and adults will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, we urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your or your child’s mouth’s safety this spring:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office. Stay safe and have fun!

You water the garden three times a week, you change your car's oil every three months, and you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Your teeth need to see your dentist on a regular schedule, too.

While daily oral hygiene habits are essential to good oral health, professional dental cleanings at our office ensure your teeth are treated to a deeper level of cleaning. We recommend for most of our patients to have a checkup at least every six months. In addition to a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth, these regular visits help us detect and prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. During your visit, we’ll check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. We’ll also check old fillings and restorations, as these can wear away over time from constant chewing, grinding, or clenching.

If you are predisposed to oral diseases, you may need to visit our office more often than every six months. Factors at play in these diseases include age, pregnancy, tobacco use, medical conditions (such as diabetes, dry mouth, or HIV infection), along with how well you take care of your teeth on a daily basis.

Make sure your teeth get the professional attention they deserve – If you’re overdue for your next cleaning, check with our office to schedule an appointment!

A few months ago, on one of the few quiet Sundays at our house we spent some time straightening up and preparing for the winter. My family and I live in Phoenix, Arizona; in the cul-de-sac called “Ahwatukee.” We see all kinds of desert creatures at different times. Ahwatukee is a geographically established community named for its local interpretation of the Native American phrase for “paradise.” It is nestled in the area between the southern side of South Mountain Park and Interstate 10 the 4th longest Interstate Highway in the country that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to Jacksonville, Florida (of course Route I-10 runs due north-south as it borders Ahwatukee, making Ahwatukee’s borders even more confusing). At over 16000 acres, South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the country so there are lots of critters running around all year (check out this link, it’s really interesting). It is not uncommon to see a coyote walking in the foothills of South Mountain behind my house. We have seen Javelina, quail, all sizes of lizards, really skinny desert rabbits, owls, hawks and a variety of other wildlife right in our back yard!

Well, preparing for the winter in Phoenix means putting the bathing suits in a drawer and pulling out the long sleeve tee shirts and sweaters for those really cold days below 60 degrees. On this particular Sunday we had all the doors open around the house, including the garage. While we were busy arranging some outdoor furniture a cry for help came from the kitchen. Standing, frightened, in the middle of the kitchen, was my wife, yelling at a coyote that wandered into the house from the open garage. We all came running with sticks and bats and even a leash!

How Scary!

Thank goodness for our highly skilled and overly protective, fierce guard dogs. OK, truth be told our house pets run under the bed and hide if someone in the house drops a spoon and it makes a clattering sound on the floor. Well, they really saved the day when they approached the beast threatening my wife. Our loving mutts proceeded to sniff the coyote in places left only to the imagination (why dogs insist on sniffing other dogs' hind quarters is beyond me). Apparently the animals had all met in the neighborhood. How nice to know we have a neighborhood coyote. No sooner did the menagerie in our kitchen begin their mutual salutations when the guy who owns the house up the block was out in the street calling "Nicky..Nicky". It seems the "threat" was his skinny golden retriever. When we all settled down, realizing what was happening we told our neighbor that his dog looks an awful lot like a coyote! He responded: that's what everybody tells me!

This saga of our little house in the desert has a pretty quiet ending; Nicky went home with his owner, we closed all the doors to the house and our canine attack team hid under the bed...someone dropped another spoon.

Want more great family stories or just great Family Practice Dentistry? Come and visit us at Today’s Dental.

Dr. Michael Glass

Call (480) 893-2273 or email (michael@todaysdental.com)

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)

If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

–Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark, and our team

Drs. Howard Farran, Michael Glass, Bradley DeMark and our team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Today's Dental that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or our doctors?

Let us know by posting here, on our Facebook page, or by giving us a call!