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That is the million dollar question. Based on national unemployment statistics, home values dropping, etc… one would justifiably say we are. But when I say are “WE” ,I mean us here in the Washington, DC metro area. I recently read an article that you can Google, and I suggest you do. It is very intriguing. Just type in “While New York Bleeds Washington Thrives”.

We are very fortunate to be in an area that is known as “Silicon East”. Northern Virginia has captured the market in technology and has actually increased the number of jobs in 2008. We have the Biotech corridor in Maryland with companies including NCI/NIH. We also have the Federal Government jobs. Yes folks, we are not like Detroit, or Toledo. We are very fortunate to be in such an environment, that to an extent, insulates us from the extremes of the economy. So how does this fit into your lifestyle?

The answer is simple. In a time of fear, people cut back their living styles.  In areas that are elective, this is a prudent thing to do. One area you NEVER want to do this is in healthcare. Nothing heals itself, and waiting or putting off necessary treatment and preventative care is always a mistake. The sensitive tooth can later become a bigger problem, like a root canal. The pressure sensitivity can lead to a fractured tooth. These are things that cannot be put off unless you are willing to risk the negative, more involved and costly circumstances. As a general and cosmetic dentist, I see this all the time. I find this unusual, particularly if you still have insurance benefits, and flexible spending accounts!

So, where and when indicated, make some changes in your lifestyle that perhaps would make you feel better financially, but not in necessary, routine care. The consequences could be much more involved than when caught early.

After 18 years in practice, I have heard numerous concerns and fears about what patients dread most about dental visits. Would you believe that one of the highest concerns is being numb AFTER they leave the office? Wouldn’t  it be nice to “un-numb” a patient as soon as the procedure is completed?

Well, the time is here. This month, a new product has been approved that reverses the local anesthesia. At the site of the injection, you inject the reversal and within 30 minutes, you are back to normal! Now, many of you that have had  treatment in my office know that much of my treatment is 30-45 minutes at most unless it is very comprehensive treatment. I would basically get you numb, and within 5 minutes, begin reversing it! In the meantime, I use as little local anesthesia as is necessary, and I use a short acting one so you are not numb for hours and hours. As this product is perfected, I will incorporate it into my practice.

With all the brands and types of drinks  on the market have you ever given any thought to what it is you are really consuming? Let”s look at some of the more common ones and what effects they have on you and your teeth:

Coffee- We know it comes in decaf, reg, low acid, etc.. What does it mean?.Studies have shown that a small amount of caffeine daily is not a bad thing. Teeth staining? Well, for the most part it is reversible with professional cleanings, and whittening procedures, but in the meantime will give your teeth a yellower hue to them. The acid is the killer here. Any beverage that is acidic dramatically increases you chances of decay in the mouth.

Soda- One of the worst things you can have. between the acidity (mentioned above), caffeine (not good in larger amounts), and massive sugar, this is a prescription for a dental disaster, from decalcification, to decay.  Most sodas have the equivalent of 10-12 teaspoons of sugar in it! Even diet sodas are bad due to the aspartame in it, which I have read breaks down into formaldehyde ( a preservative). That’s the stuff that can potentially cause cancer and is used as an embalming fluid for corpses.

Sports Drinks- Great for energy, but they are often loaded with sugar, caffeine, sodium, and are acidic. Watch the amount your kids drink.

Sparkling Water- Now here’s a fresh alternative. But is it? It has none of the above ingredients, BUT, a study I have read indicates that carbonated beverages affect the uptake of calcium, and we know woman in particular need calcium. The second thing is the carbonation can affect and slow metabolism. Imagine that: getting fatter from a zero cal drink.

Flavored Water- great, except is acidic and can damage teeth.

So with all that in mind, just what do you drink? WATER. plain unadulterated water, with a squeeze of lemon or lime for flavor. Sure, you can have any of the other ones, but in sparse amounts. Sodas that are kept at your desk all day and sipped on is the worst thing to do. You are bathing your teeth every few minutes with sugar and acid. If you want one, drink it all down with a meal.

Now……Water anyone?

I have seen many patients, maybe several hundred, over the years tell me that when they were younger, they fell or were hit in the mouth. The way they usually present is with an older, mismatching, unsightly crown on one or more of their front teeth.  They usually tell me that they had a root canal on it as well. This scenario could have been prevented. But how?

Our kids today are so involved in sports, that we would almost expect these inadvertent accidents to occur. The best thing you can do is wear a mouth guard.  This piece of rubber/plastic can be a real lifesaver when it comes to preventing irreversible damage. They can be purchased at a sporting goods store and just adjusted through heat to fit your mouth, or you can have your dentist fabricate a custom one. The benefits of a custom one are pretty obvious: they are made from an exact replica of your teeth, so the fit is  near perfect. I have the ability to have it made  of thin material for minor contact sports, to heavy-duty for full-throttle contact. They serve to disperse the impact and reduce the blow, thus minimizing the damage done.

My experience tells me that many of these adults that present with a trauma injury happened when horsing around with a sibling, or playing in the school yard. I think it is fair to say that you cannot wear one for those occurrences! If you experience trauma to a tooth or the mouth in general, call your dentist immediately. You should save a part of the tooth that broke, as it is possible that it could be bonded back in place . If an entire tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it off, and PLACE IT BACK IN THE SOCKET, and call your dentist. What is the bottom line? Wear a mouth guard for whatever sport puts you at risk for these injuries, and keep your dentists phone number handy.