Expert Dental Advice Videos from Dr. Dougherty

Hey everyone. Today we’re diving into something that might shock you, why some older patients don’t want to confess in their dental health. Trust me, their reasons surprise me every time. Before we get into it, if you’re new here, make sure to like, subscribe, follow, notify, all that stuff. Let’s jump in before we do, I’m Larry Dougherty. I’ve been a dentist for 16 years and I’m here at my practice Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, Texas. So I’ve been a dentist for 16 years and I’ve treated over 10,000 patients. And let me tell you, there’s a recurring theme I see, especially with older patients. They say things like, I don’t want to spend that money on myself, or I’d rather pay for my grandkids to go to college, or even I’m too old. I won’t live long enough to make it worth it. It’s not just about the money.

There’s a mindset here. I recently saw a viral video from Jim Rohn, a famous entrepreneur and speaker. He said, I used to say, you take care of me and I’ll take care of you. I no longer use that phrase, I’ll take care of me for you if you take care of you. For me, this is a game changer. Many people sacrifice their own health and wellbeing to care for others, but this often backfires creating resentment and guilt in relationships. The truth is, your loved ones want you to take care of yourself. They deserve the best version of you. When my patients share their feelings with me, I can see that they’re being genuine. They don’t want to spend money on themselves that could be used for their family. I get it. But sometimes this selflessness is a mask for deeper issues. Fear, guilt, shame, or low self-worth.

I’ve seen self-made wealthy, older patients who grew up in poverty and fear spending money on their teeth might somehow lead them back to poverty. It’s an irrational but common psychological barrier. It’s not my place to tell people what to do as a dentist. I’m here to serve people where they’re at. But I believe many patients, especially those who need care, should watch a few Jim Rohn videos before they come in. By focusing on making yourself better, you can inspire and serve others more effectively. Jim Rohn also says, take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. This is so true, especially when it comes to dental health. Your loved ones want you to be at your best. They deserve that. And so what do you think? Have you or someone ever hesitated to invest in their health for the sake of others? Drop some thoughts in the comments below and remember, taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of those you love. Thanks for watching. If you found this video helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe. Hit the notification bell for more tips on dental, health and wellbeing.

Dangers of dental work while pregnant. Will it hurt your baby? Is it safe to get dental work when you’re pregnant? Is radiation from X-rays going to hurt my baby? There are so many myths surrounding pregnancy and dental care regarding safety for the mother and the baby. Let’s break it down. There’s two topics that can cause the most concern when it comes to treating pregnant women. One, radiation and number two, anesthesia. How can we properly diagnose the dental needs of a pregnant patient? Without X-rays, we can’t. How can we perform dental treatments such as fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions? Without local anesthesia, we can’t. Well, I have some great news about radiation. The amount of radiation needed to take dental X-rays in a modern facility like ours poses no risk to a pregnant woman or to an unborn child. I also have some great news about local anesthesia.

The amount of lidocaine needed to perform most basic dental procedures and a relatively healthy pregnant patient poses no risk to the mother or to the child. Let’s back up for a minute. Why are we even talking about this in the first place? What’s the history of these fears or concerns? If I’m sitting here telling you this is all safe, how did it come to pass that it was even ever perceived as unsafe in the first place? It all gets back to radiation and anesthetic fears. Most of our understanding of the effects of radiation on unborn fetuses is actually from animal studies and nuclear accidents like the atomic bomb, Chernobyl, et cetera. Being exposed to an atomic explosion and receiving a few digital X-rays can’t be equated. But for a generation of Americans that live through the atomic age and the Cold War, the word radiation sends chills down their spines.

There are local anesthetics, anesthetic gases, like nitrous and IV anesthetics that are contraindicated in pregnancy. Lidocaine is safe and has been studied extensively for its safety, and it’s the most commonly used anesthetic in dentistry today. Historically, in dentistry before lidocaine that were anesthetics, that commonly caused allergic reactions in patients that would pose great danger to the mother and to the fetus, this has to be the source of these fears. In my estimation, these products are no longer used in dentistry today, but this isn’t something you’re going to see on the History Channel where you can learn about this. People still commonly say Novocaine, which is an Esther based anesthetic, the old, dangerous kind that caused allergic reactions. This just goes to show you how hard it is to shake history and old ideas. Novocaine was last made in 1948, and here we are still talking about it and fearing it.

It’s time to move on. In a perfect world, most women should have dental work done when they aren’t pregnant. The fact is pregnancy, especially a woman’s first pregnancy, is a very special time for a woman, and with it there’s often a shift in a woman’s mindset and consciousness about her own personal health and how it affects another person. Now, it’s not uncommon for a woman to suddenly be more concerned about her dental health when she becomes pregnant. Obviously, I’m not a woman and I’ve never been pregnant, so hope it doesn’t seem too presumptive of me to say all these things. These are just my observations as a clinician and as a human being on this planet. Another big reason we see lots of pregnant patients in the dental office is because there’s just something about being pregnant that makes a tooth hurt maybe a little bit more or start hurting a lot during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can often wreak havoc on a woman’s immune system resulting in a phenomenon known as pregnancy gingivitis, where a previously healthy woman may experience severe inflammation in the gums during pregnancy. Too many women put off dental care during pregnancy figuring that unnecessary exposure to radiation and local anesthetics is bad for the baby, when in fact the exact opposite is true. Putting off dental care during pregnancy could result in undetected and untreated infections, which could result in hospitalization. This would constitute an actual emergency to the mother and child, which is totally avoidable. There are many reasons pregnant women avoid dental care during pregnancy. Sure, there are concerns of safety for the fetus. A lack of education on the matters I’ve been discussing is a huge problem. For every solid piece of information out there like this, there’s probably a hundred equally compelling pieces of misinformation out there.

Another large problem in the United States is lack of access to care. Almost every week in my practice, I see a patient that has not been to the dentist for several years because they did not have dental insurance. They did not have the desire or the ability to invest in their dental health. There’s no denying that women and children in the United States and all over the world for that matter, are disproportionately affected by poverty. Is it important to let your dentist know if you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant? The answer is yes. Having this piece of information, having a complete medical history on any patient for that matter, is an essential part of individualized care and making relevant recommendations to any patient. I often recommend having more frequent hygiene visits during pregnancy to decrease the risk of pregnancy gingivitis that can sometimes lead to acute periodontal infections.

A primary oral health goal during pregnancy should be to avoid excess plaque buildups with excellent home care and frequent checkups. I had a patient one time tell me that she lost a tooth during each one of her pregnancies. I’m sure her children went on several guilt trips over that one. There’s some evidence that suggests periodontal disease and poor pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight and preterm birth may be associated, but the exact relationship is not completely understood. On a side note, life doesn’t exactly get much easier once a baby is born. So getting into the dentist while you can to all mothers and mothers to be weigh the risks and do what makes you feel comfortable. Just know that having your teeth examined and knowing what the risks are of delaying potentially necessary dental treatment is much better than not knowing anything at all. So see the dentist.

My teeth are falling out. What should I do for immediate steps to take? If your teeth are falling out, there’s some serious concerns at play. Here are four things you should do to address the problem. Number one, seek dental care. Immediately. Schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. They can assess the situation, determine the cause of your teeth falling out and recommend appropriate treatment. Besides a traumatic accident where you got hit in the face or fell, there’s really only one reason your teeth could be falling out, and that’s an untreated case of severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It can range from mild gum inflammation, gingivitis to more severe forms that can lead to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. Here are the six key aspects of periodontal disease.

Number one, gingivitis. This is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gums. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and bleeding during the brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is usually reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care. Number two, periodontitis. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis a more serious form of gum disease. In periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth forming pockets that can become infected. Over time, the infection can lead to bone and tooth loss. Three causes. Periodontal disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, genetic factors, and systemic diseases like diabetes can all contribute to the development and progression of gum disease. Four symptoms. Symptoms of periodontal disease may include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing loose teeth, and receding gums that make teeth appear longer.

Five. Treatment treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. It typically involves professional dental cleanings, scaling and cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Medications such as antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses, and in advanced cases, surgical procedures to repair damage tissues or restore loss. Six. Prevention, good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day. Flossing daily and regular dental checkups are crucial for preventing periodontal disease, avoiding tobacco products. Eating a balanced diet and managing systemic conditions like diabetes can also help reduce the risk of gum disease. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease are essential for preserving oral health and preventing complications such as tooth loss and systemic issues linked to gum disease, regular dental visits and maintaining good oral hygiene. Habits are key components of preventative care. Number two, seek medical care immediately. In cases of severe neglect of hygiene, periodontal disease can sometimes be treated with dental treatment alone.

In my experience, this is actually kind of rare. Most cases I see of severe periodontal disease in my practice are related to smoking or uncontrolled diabetes. When I see patients with severe periodontal disease, I need to know the last time they had a medical exam. There are many people living with undiagnosed and uncontrolled type two diabetes, and we need to get to the bottom of this to get the patient’s dental health under control. Our treatment options are very limited. If a patient has uncontrolled diabetes, we can’t even think about dental implants in these patients. It just won’t work. I also recommend to patients that smoke to seek advice from a medical doctor. Seeking advice from a medical doctor is a highly recommended if you want to quit smoking. Smoking cessation is a significant step toward improving your oral health. Medical professionals can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the quitting process.

Here are a few reasons why consulting a doctor is beneficial. Number one, personalized advice. A doctor can assess your individual health status, smoking history, and any underlying conditions that may be affected by smoking cessation. They can tailor their advice and recommendations to your specific needs and circumstances. Two, medication and therapies. Doctors prescribe medications and therapies proven to help smoking cessation. This may include nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gums, or lozenges, prescription medications or referrals to smoking cessations programs or counseling services. Three, health monitors. Quitting smoking can have various effects on your body, including withdrawal symptoms, changes in mood, and improvements in lung function and overall health. Doctors can monitor your progress, addressing concerns or complications, and provide ongoing support as you work toward being smoke-free for addressing concerns. Some people may hesitate to quit smoking due to fears of weight gain, nicotine withdraw symptoms or relapse.

Doctors can address these concerns and provide strategies to managing cravings and withdraw and offer encouragement and motivation throughout the quitting journey. Five. Long-term health benefits, quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing smoking related disease such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions. Your doctor can discuss these health benefits with you and help you stay committed to your goal of quitting smoking. In summary, involving a medical doctor in your smoking cessation journey increases your chances of success and ensures that you receive comprehensive support, guidance, and resources tailored to your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for assistance. It’s a proactive step toward improving your health and wellbeing. Three, work on your diet and hygiene. If your teeth are falling out, your dental problems are quite severe, but it’s never too late to write your own ship and to improve yourself, to improve your life.

Even if your teeth are in a hopeless state, cleaning them every day and eating healthy is going to make you feel better, cleaner, and put you in a positive frame of mind. Number four, get educated on your options. Once you find a dentist that you trust, learn as much as you can about the treatment options that your dentist is proposing to you. Let me give you a little outline of different types of discussions I have worked with patients that are losing their teeth. One group of patients I see is in complete denial of the problem and hasn’t wrapped their head around the severity of the problem yet. They aren’t receptive to talking about the problem and can’t really have a great discussion about what to do because they’re just not ready to talk about it. Another group, patients I see has an idea that the problem is severe.

They’re ready to do something about it, but they have extremely limited knowledge about the options that are available to them. These discussions go better, and sometimes it takes more than one discussion for a patient like this before we finally figure out what’s best for them. The last group of patients has done some research. Maybe they’ve seen a few dentists already. They know what options exist for them, and they’re very fluent in lots of dental terminology. They’re just looking for the right dentist for them. These discussions are usually the easiest ones to have when the patient already has some idea what the problem is and what they want to do about it. While it can sometimes be dangerous for patients to do all their research online, it’s just the world we live in today, I find most patients are actually quite good at sorting through what makes sense and what doesn’t when it comes to researching topics on the internet. In summary, if your teeth are falling out, seek dental care immediately. It’s a serious thing. I hope you find this helpful, and please share this video with somebody that needs to hear it.

Hey there, dental enthusiasts. Today we’re diving into a topic that might surprise you. Are teeth problems genetic? Should you be worried about your genes, grab your floss, settle in, and let’s unravel this mystery together. I’m Larry Dougherty. I’m a dentist in Garden Ridge, Texas, and I’ve been practicing for 16 years and I’ve treated more than 10,000 patients. Besides being a dentist, I also have a degree in genetics from the University of Georgia. Go Dogs, which is super relevant to today’s topic. Alright, let’s dive into the world of genetics in just a moment. We all know that our genes play a crucial role in determining everything from our eye color to our height. But what about our teeth are our purley whites? At the mercy of our DNA, the answer is both yes and no. Intrigued. Let’s break it down. First things first. Yes, genetics can influence your dental health.

If your parents had strong healthy teeth, there’s a good chance you might too. But if they had dental issues, you might be more prone to them. But don’t start blaming your parents just yet. Here are some common dental issues that can have genetic links, tooth decay. Some people are genetically predisposed to cavities due to the composition of their saliva and the shapes of their teeth. Gum disease conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis can be influenced by genetic factors. Tooth alignment. Ever wonder why some people have perfectly straight teeth while others need orthodontics? Genetics can play a big role. Enamel defects, weak or improperly formed, enamel can be inherited, making teeth more susceptible to damage. But here’s the kicker. While genetics can set the stage, your lifestyle and habits play the lead role. Let’s look at how you can tip the scales in your favor. Maintaining good oral hygiene is your best defense against genetic predispositions.

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly can keep your teeth in top shape even if your genes aren’t exactly on your side. Now, with plus some myths, time for a little segment I like to call tooth or fiction. Myth number one, if my parents had cavities, I will too. This is fiction. While you might have a higher risk, cavities are largely preventable with proper dental care, so no excuses, brush and floss people. Myth number two. Gum disease is only caused by poor oral hygiene. Tooth genetics can increase your susceptibility, but good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help manage and prevent it. So should you be worried about your genes, not necessarily being aware of your family history can help you take proactive steps. Let’s delve into some practical tips to keep those teeth shining bright, regardless of your genetics.

Here’s a handy checklist. Know your family history. Talk to your family about their dental health. Knowledge is power. Regular dental checkups, don’t skip those dental appointments. Early detection is key. Good hygiene, brush and floss daily. It’s the simplest way to combat genetic risks, healthy diet, a diet low in sugar and high in nutrients. Support strong teeth and gums. Avoid tobacco. Smoking and chewing. Tobacco can exacerbate genetic predispositions to gum disease and oral cancer. Remember, it’s not just about your teeth. Your overall health can impact your dental health too. Conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease, so keeping your whole body healthy is important. Think of your body as a complex network where everything is interconnected. Healthy habits benefit not just your teeth, but your entire system. It’s a win-win. Now, for those who love fun facts, did you know that the shape and size of your teeth can even affect the way you speak?

Your genetics? Don’t just influence how your teeth look, but how they function too. Pretty cool, right? Speaking of genetics and functionality, let’s take a quick detour into the animal kingdom. Did you know that elephants are genetically programmed to grow new sets of teeth throughout their lives? Imagine if we had that superpower. No more dental implants, just brand new teeth every few decades. Unfortunately, we humans have to deal with just two sets of baby teeth and adult teeth, so let’s take good care of them. Wondering if you might have genetic dental issues? Look out for these signs. Frequent cavities, despite go to oral hygiene. If you’re constantly battling cavities, genetics might be at play. Early onset gum disease. If you have gum issues at a young age, it could be genetic tooth sensitivity. Highly sensitive teeth can sometimes be linked to genetic enamel defects, alignment issues, crowded or misaligned teeth often run in families.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t panic. Just make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your concerns. They can provide targeted advice and treatment to help you manage these issues effectively. While genetics can influence your dental health, they don’t seal your faith With the right care and lifestyle choices, you can maintain a healthy dazzling smile. Stay informed, stay proactive, and remember, your genes are just one piece of the puzzle. Thanks for tuning in. If you found this video helpful, give a thumbs up, hit that subscribe button, and ring the bell so you never miss an episode. Got questions or experiences with genetic dental issues? Drop it in the comments below. Keep smiling, stay healthy, and remember, a bright smile starts with you. Until next time.

Can soda completely destroy your teeth? In several years of experience as a dentist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the significant impact soda can have on dental health. It’s unbelievable. Let’s delve into why soda can be so destructive to teeth and what consequences it can lead to over time. My name is Larry Dougherty. I’ve been a dentist for 16 years, and you can find me here at Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, Texas. It still makes me really sad, honestly, when I see a patient that has beautiful natural teeth that they didn’t take care of. I walked into the room the other day to greet a patient that had lots of cavities on her back teeth from drinking lots of sugary drinks. She has a smile that just lights up the room. The world’s a better place with a smile like hers, and it’s really just a shame that it’s being destroyed by some poor diet choices and neglect.

A great smile is a tremendous gift, and it’s sad to see a gift neglected or taken for granted for whatever reason. Let’s spend some time understanding sodas impact on tea. Most sodas contain high levels of sugar, which bacteria in the mouth feed on producing acid that erodes enamel. Not to worry, doc, I drink sugar-free sodas well, even sugar-free sodas are acidic with pH levels low enough to weaken enamel over time, the combination of sugar and acids can lead to demineralization and decalcification of tooth enamel. Sodas can also contribute to dry mouth, which many people are suffering from already reducing salivary production necessary for neutralizing acids and remineralizing teeth. Despite not being a big car guy, I always find myself using car analogies when I’m talking to patients about their teeth. I always equate saliva with wax on a vehicle’s paint. Without that protective coating of saliva, tooth enamel is more likely to be damaged by the elements we throw at it.

Prolonged exposure to soda can result in cavities, especially in areas where enamel is weakened. What about the effects of soda on teeth over time? Continuous soda consumption can gradually erode enamel leading to thinning and increased sensitivity. Dark sodas contain chromogens that can stain teeth leading to noticeable discoloration. The combination of sugar acid and reduce saliva flow creates an ideal environment for cavity formation. Weakened enamel and exposed dentin from erosion can cause increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli. Sugary sodas can fuel bacteria growth contributing to gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and tooth floss. Over my years of practice, I’ve seen numerous cases where soda consumption has had detrimental effects on a patient’s oral health. Patients who consume multiple sodas daily often exhibit severe enamel erosion. Their teeth may appear flattened, transparent at the edges, and highly sensitive due to enamel loss. In extreme cases, erosion can expose dentin leading to increased vulnerability to decay and discomfort.

I also see lots of failed dental work in these patients. A typical pattern might be a patient gets a lot of cavities from drinking lots of soda. They go to the dentist and have everything fixed thinking that settles that. Then they don’t go to the dentist again for a few years because they spent thousands of dollars and several hours at the dentist. Now they need a little break. They don’t change their habits. They come back a few years later only to discover that all the work that was done needs to be redone, and it’s never one or two cavities either. It’s always like 10 children and adults who regularly consume sugary sodas are at high risk of widespread decay. The combination of sugar feeding oral bacteria and acid erosion weakening enamel leads to cavities that often require extensive restorations like fillings or crowns. Dark sodas like cola can cause persistent staining on teeth, especially in individuals with poor oral hygiene habits.

This staining is challenging to remove with regular brushing and may necessitate professional cleaning or whitening procedures. The acidic nature of sodas can also contribute to gum recession in susceptible individuals, receding gums, exposed tooth roots, increasing sensitivity and susceptibility to decay in these areas. In children, excessive soda consumption during critical development stages can lead to enamel hypoplasia. This condition results in underdeveloped enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage. Why are so many Americans and people all over the world for that matter, drinking so much soda without going full on conspiracy mode? And trust me, I would love to go full conspiracy mode on this. We have to recognize that consumption of these beverages is addictive, scientifically studied. Advertising methods have been used to get consumers hooked on these products. Advertising has also been used to normalize something that has zero health benefits and many terrible side effects.

Some countries around the world are putting warning labels on sodas like how they do on alcohol and tobacco products. There’s an interesting argument to be made that sodas can cause more health problems than these two products. There’s a lot of money interested in keeping this industry going. Okay, so you’re becoming convinced that drinking soft drinks regularly isn’t the best thing for you, but you’re not quite ready to quit cold Turkey. What are some strategies for minimizing soda’s effects? I encourage patients to reduce soda intake, opting for water as a healthier alternative when consuming sodas. Using a straw can help minimize direct contact with teeth after drinking soda. Drinking some water can help neutralize acids and reduce their impact on teeth. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly can help remove plaque and protect your teeth. Finally, routine dental exams and cleanings allow for early detection of dental issues and preventative interventions in conclusions. Soda can indeed have a devastating impact on teeth over time causing enamel erosion, cavities, staining, and gum problems. As dental professionals, it’s crucial to educate patients about the risks associated with excessive soda consumption and encourage healthier oral habits to preserve dental health in the longterm. By promoting moderation, good oral hygiene and regular dental care, we can help mitigate the harmful effects of soda and maintain our patient’s smiles for years to come.

Hey everyone. Today we’re diving into one of the hottest debates in dentistry. Should dentists tell patients about all of their dental problems upfront or just focus on the patient’s immediate concerns? Buckle up because we’re about to get into the nitty gritty of patient communication and trust. I’m Larry Doherty. I’ve been a dentist for 16 years and I’m here at my practice Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, Texas. Picture this, a new patient walks into your office wanting a routine, cleaning you the dentist, notice multiple issues, cavities, misaligned teeth, gum infection, and even signs of acid damage. Do you lay it all out on the table or do you address only the cleaning and save the rest for later? Let’s dive into both sides of this debate. So here’s the deal. Some dentists believe in telling patients everything right off the bat. Why? Because it’s our professional duty.

We see the problems, we inform the patients, simple as that. It’s about empowering patients with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health. It’s not about scaring them or selling treatments. It’s about transparency and trust. On the other hand, some dentists think it’s better to build a rapport. First, they worry about bombarding patients with too much information that can overwhelm them, making them feel like they’re being upsold. These dentists prefer to address the patient’s immediate concerns and gradually introduce other issues as the trust builds. I remember my early days in dentistry, fresh out dental school. I was advised by a senior colleague to just pick two or three of the worst issues and tackle those first. Their reasoning don’t overwhelm the patient. Their insurance will likely max out after a few procedures anyway, so save the rest for next year. But here’s the thing.

That approach didn’t sit well with me. At Nova Southeastern University, where I studied our professors emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach. It’s no surprise it didn’t last long at that first job. I couldn’t align myself with a philosophy that felt more like withholding crucial information. Let’s take a step back. Imagine you’re seeing a cardiologist. They discover a 90% blockage in your heart. Do they wait to tell you until they’ve built a rapport? Of course not. They tell you immediately because it’s a life-threatening situation. Dentistry might not always be about life and death, but the principle remains. Patients deserve to know the truth about their health. A few years ago, I was part of a spear education starter group where we discussed this very topic. Dr. Frank Spear, a top educator in my field, nailed it when he said that withholding critical information erodes trust. Patients need to know everything so they can make the best decision for themselves.

And you know what? That makes total sense to me. Yes, telling patients everything can be tough. Some patients might feel overwhelmed or scared, but I believe it’s our duty to give them a clear picture of their dental health. It’s about patient-centered care. They need to know what they’re saying yes to and what they’re saying no to. So what’s your take on this? Whether you’re a dentist or a patient, drop your thoughts in the comments below. How much information do you think is too much? Let’s get the conversation going. Remember folks, it’s all about trust and transparency. I’m Dr. Larry Dougherty, and thanks for watching. Don’t forget to subscribe, all that stuff. Until next time, keep smiling.

What causes tooth decay? Understanding the multifaceted causes of tooth decay goes beyond just sugar avoidance. Together we can explore the various factors contributing to this common dental issue and how to effectively prevent tooth decay. Let’s get a bird’s eye view of this topic and discussing basics of tooth decay. My name is Larry Dougherty. I’ve been a dentist for 16 years, and you can find me here at Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, Texas. Tooth Decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a complex process influenced by several factors. Plaque formation plaque. A sticky film of bacteria forms on teeth, especially after consuming sugary or starchy foods, acid production bacteria and plaque metabolize. Sugars producing acids that weaken tooth enamel, enamel erosion over time, acid attacks from plaque can erode enamel leading to cavities and tooth sensitivity, cavity formation. Persistent enamel erosion creates cavities which may progress deeper into the tooth without intervention.

Essentially, cavities are holes formed by acid. It doesn’t really matter where the acid comes from directly from your food, directly from your stomach, directly from bacterial waste products. It’s all acid and it forms holes in the teeth, given the time and the opportunity to do so. Let’s get a little deeper and go beyond sugar to discuss some other factors contributing to tooth decay. Sugar plays a significant role in tooth decay, but as I just stated, other factors can contribute as well. Acidic foods and drinks, citrus fruits, carbonated sodas, and acidic beverages can directly erode enamel, increasing susceptibility to decay. Frequent consumption without adequate oral hygiene can accelerate enamel erosion. Starchy foods, breads, crackers, chips, they all contain starches that break down into sugars in the mouth. Bacteria feed on these sugars producing acids that contribute to enamel erosion and cavity formation for oral hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to accumulate increasing acid production and enamel erosion.

Plaque buildup in hard to reach areas can lead to hidden cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids, remineralizing enamel, and washing away food particles and bacteria. Dry mouth conditions caused by medications, certain medical conditions or mouth breathing, reduce saliva flow, contributing to tooth decay, acid reflux, and gerd, gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD and frequent acid reflux episodes expose teeth to stomach acids leading to enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity over time, oral bacteria and biofilm. Certain bacterial strains in the mouth are more adept at metabolizing sugars and producing acids, contributing to faster plaque formation and enamel erosion. Biofilms. Complex bacterial communities on teeth surfaces are particularly resistant to removal and contribute to cavity formation. With all these risk factors in mind, it’s important that we develop some preventative strategies for tooth decay. First, maintain good oral hygiene. Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly and use mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and acid production.

Second, a balanced diet limit sugary drinks and acidic foods and drinks. Opt for whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that promote oral health. Next, drink water. Water helps rinse away food particles and acids, maintaining oral pH balance and saliva production. Bonus tip, chew sugar-free gum chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and remineralize enamel. Finally, regular dental checkups are must schedule routine dental exams and cleanings to detect early signs of decay. Remove plaque and tartar and receive preventative treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s just too late or not enough. You’ve got a cavity. Let’s discuss professional intervention for tooth decay by a dentist. Most people have had a dental filling of some kind. Dental fillings restore cavities by removing decayed tooth material and filling the space with a durable material like composite resin or amalgam for extensively decayed teeth.

Dental crowns provide strength protection, an aesthetics covering the entire tooth surface. When decay reaches the tooth pulp, root canal therapy becomes necessary to remove infected tissue, clean the root canal, and seal the tooth to prevent further infection. Dentists may apply fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel or recommend dental sealants. Thin protective coatings applied to molar chewing surfaces to prevent cavities. This might be obvious, but I want to make one thing really clear. Fillings and crowns and root canals are all effective treatments when they’re done well. But even after dental treatment, your teeth are never going to be the same. Dentistry isn’t magic, and anytime we perform dental treatment on a tooth, the clock starts ticking for treatment needing to be done again. There’s a great quote from a famous dentist, Dr. Bob Barkley. The goal of dentistry is to make the patient worse at the slowest possible rate.

I think about this quote often when making treatment suggestions to patients when it gets confusing about what to do for a patient. I remind myself of this quote, and things usually start to make sense to wrap things up. Tooth decay is a multifactorial process influenced by diet, oral hygiene, saliva flow, bacterial activity, and medical conditions. While sugar plays a significant role in cavity formation, other factors like acidic foods, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and oral bacteria also contribute. Effective prevention involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, adopting a balanced diet, staying hydrated and seeking regular dental care. Professional dental interventions are available to treat cavities and prevent further decay. Highlighting the importance of early detection and timely treatment in preserving dental health.