Dental Caries Risk, Factor No. 2: Medical History
June 11, 2009
Your medical history plays a major role in your chances of having tooth decay and cavities.
A patient may have a high risk for dental caries if they are medically compromised, physically disabled, has Xerostomia (dry mouth), and/or on long term cariogenic medication.
On the other hand, you may not have a low risk for dental caries if you have no medical problems, no physical problems, normal salivary flow, and/or on no long term medication.
Being aware and educating yourself about dental health and what you can do to maintain a healthy mouth is the first step to reducing that risk. Also, make sure you are aware of your medical history and how it affects your oral health, as well as, your overall health. These two go hand in hand. I hope this has been helpful for everyone.
Straw Smiles
7700 N. Hwy. 6 Suite 106
Houston, TX 77095
281.550.5757
www.strawsmiles.com
Dental Caries Risk, Factor No. 1: Social History
June 9, 2009
I just wanted to tell everyone how your social history plays a factor in your risk of having dental caries.
You can be high risk for dental caries if:
- your siblings have high caries
- there is low knowledge of dental disease
- you snack all day
- you have low dental aspirations
- you are socially deprived
You have low risk for dental caries if:
- your siblings have few caries
- you are dentally aware
- you have high dental aspirations
- you are socially advantaged
Please feel free to leave any comments, and we will do our best to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
Straw Smiles
7700 N. Hwy. 6 Suite 106
Houston, TX 77095
281.550.5757
www.strawsmiles.com
Dental Caries Risk: Should you be concerned?
June 8, 2009
Your dentist and dental hygienist provide services that help keep your mouth in good shape. But you, above all, can use primary prevention – principally brushing and flossing at least twice a day – to maintain healthy teeth and gums. And remember that good oral health contributes to your overall health.
Dental caries are cavities or dental decay that occur when bacteria on the surface of the tooth produces acid, as a result of sugary substances in the mouth, that gradually erodes the enamel of the tooth. A main contributor of dental caries is plaque. Plaque is the layer of saliva on the tooth that consists of bacteria, which produces the acid. To determine if you are at low or high risk for dental caries, the dentist will assess your social history, medical history, dietary habits, use of fluoride, plaque control, and any clinical evidence. Then your dentist will recommend treatment based on individual circumstances. We’re all aware that cavities are very common, which I think makes it much easier to prevent. The first thing we all need to do is become aware of our oral health, and then apply it to our daily routine. I invite any thoughts or comments you might have.
Straw Smiles
7700 N. Hwy. 6 Suite 106
Houston, TX 77095
281.550.5757
www.strawsmiles.com
Introducing Straw Smiles
June 3, 2009
My name is Kimchai, and I am interning at Straw Smiles. As my internship project, I’m creating a blog that will ultimately provide you with information regarding Dr. Straw’s dental office and other interesting and vital information pertaining to dentistry and dental care. But first, I would like to introduce Dr. Straw:
Dr. Straw received a Biochemistry degree from Brigham Young University and contributed to cancer research. He then attended Virginia Commonwealth University. While in dental school, Aaron learned about the best methods in modern dentistry from prestigious faculty and specialists. Since then he has worked in Payson, Arizona and Salt Lake City, Utah and continued his education through seminars and workshops from experts such as Gordon Christensen, Ross Nash, and Stephen Poss. Dr. Straw is a physician of the entire oral masculatory system—not just a tooth doctor. He is an active member of the Dawson Academy and has competed nearly 100 hours of CE just last year! His most recent training seminar was Treatment Planning Functional Esthetic Excellence, completed at the Mid-Atlantic Center for Advanced Dentistry in Chesapeake, VA.
Of course, Dr. Straw has his own practice – Straw Smiles – and it is located in Houston, Texas. I hope everyone will enjoy Straw Smiles Blog and find it very useful and entertaining. And it will definitely give us a chance to share our personality and help us get to know you all through your comments. Thank you, and see you soon!
Straw Smiles
7700 N. Hwy. 6 Suite 106
Houston, TX 77095
281.550.5757
www.strawsmiles.com
