$1.50 for a Cavity?? Dr. Katz Can Help!

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Soft Bread
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Sliced meat

SureSmile Training for Dr. Katz' Orthodontic Office!

As an orthodontic practice, we are always looking for ways to improve the services and we provide and deliver more advanced treatments to our patients. These past couple weeks have given an opportunity to do just that!

Our practice has spent the last few weeks scanning our orthodontic patients for SureSmile wires. This scanning process has allowed us to virtually reposition our patient’s teeth using special software so that the patient can see what their new smile will look like even before they’ve started treatment. SureSmile technology utilizes robotics and digital imaging to customize braces wires for our patients helping the teeth move into position quicker and with less discomfort. Using SureSmile braces shortens the patient’s treatment time by 20 to 40 percent - it’s incredible!

We are so excited to offer SureSmile treatments to our patients. If you would like to find out more about SureSmile please visit our web site. Have you been treated with SureSmile, or happen to know somebody who has? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave us a comment and let us, and other patients, know about your SureSmile experience!

Delicious Apple Dumplings Are a Real Treat! - Dr. Wendy Katz, Marietta GA

Happy Holidays!

We would like to let you know that our office will be “CLOSED” December 24, 2008 to January 5, 2009. Our patients can leave us a message on our office answering machine, and we will check all of our messages on Monday, January 5th, 2009.

If you have a broken wire or loose bracket - please use wax temporarily for anything poking or sharp. Dr. Rutrick will be available to handle any true orthodontic emergencies while our office is closed. If you experience any other dental problems please contact your general dentist.

We wish you and your family and great Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!


Want a great dessert that the whole family will love, and that’s “braces friendly?”

Try this delicious dessert:

Apple Dumplings

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
Bake 35 – 40 min.
Makes 16 servings

Ingredients:

2 Granny Smith apples
2 Pkgs. croissant rolls (8 ct. each)
2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
1 can Mountain Dew
Cinnamon

Peel apples and cut into 8 slices each. Wrap one croissant piece around each apple slice and place in long baking dish in 2 lines. Melt butter and stir in sugar [will be grainy] – pour over wrapped apples. Pour Mountain Dew around wrapped apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling 678-909-4902. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Understanding Cavities

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 they happen? 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