It is unfortunate, but many dental practices around the country do not feel the need to replace silver fillings with tooth-colored alternatives. The fact is silver (amalgam) fillings are more likely to cause harm to natural tooth structure compared to composite resin, the material that our practice uses to fill damaged teeth.

The Center for Advanced Dentistry does not use metal fillings or traditional fillings of any kind for several reasons. To learn why silver fillings have more potential to cause harm, keep reading this post from a mercury-free dentist!

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This month is National Dental Hygiene month and although most of you know how to take care of your teeth, we want to offer a few reminders so you can avoid dental disease or bad breath.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day- Using your favorite toothpaste, you should carefully brush your teeth in the morning and before bed.  Traditionally, dentists have said to sing the Happy Birthday song in your head twice to know you have brushed
   long enough.  We have tested this theory and have found that the “In Your Feelings” chorus works just as well (dancing is optional).  Brush slowly in circular motions covering all surfaces of your teeth.
2. Floss Daily- This is a tough one for most people. We love the look on your faces when we ask if you floss daily and you tell us “no”. Forty percent of plaque cannot be reached with a toothbrush.  Getting down in between each tooth can
   remove up to 80% of the plaque growing there.  It only takes a minute and can save you so much pain or discomfort later on.
3. Limit your sugar intake- Foods high in sugar can cause cavities or cause your teeth to decay if eaten frequently. Swap some of those sugary treats and drinks for foods rich in calcium to protect your smile.
4. Come see us- Regular visits to the dentist are a very important step in dental hygiene. We recommend visiting us twice a year so that we can detect any issues in their early stages. Cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer often do not cause pain
   or discomfort until they are in an advanced stage.  That makes early detection extremely important.

Following these four simple steps can protect your teeth and help ensure that they are as strong and healthy as you are.

For more tips and info, visit our website or call (216) 820-9315. Also like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.
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Holistic dentists understand that there are many safe and natural ways to take care of your oral health. A very popular compound right now known as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is making waves online and throughout the country because of its numerous health benefits. In many cases, cannabidiol is known for its positive effects for seizure patients. However, did you know it also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties?

To learn how CBD can help those with gum disease, tooth decay and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), keep reading!

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Even the bravest of men and women can feel a little anxious when it’s time to sit in the dental chair for an exam. No one likes to feel helpless, especially when we’re supposed to sit back passively while someone explores our mouth with a pointy hook. Learning you have to undergo yet more pain in the form of a filling after a painful cavity gets stabbed with that hook just makes the visit even less pleasant.

Despite these fears however, it’s important to visit the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check up. Skipping these important exams can lead to more serious problems by the time you finally do sit in the dentist chair. If the thought of making an appointment with the dentist strikes fear in your heart, there are a few ways to deal with your dental anxiety.

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Most people do not realize how often they are exposed to certain materials throughout the day. Whether it be in the foods they eat, the water they drink, or the air they breathe, chances are they aren’t aware of the materials inside them or how their body will react to it. However, holistic dentists are increasingly aware of the many substances used in the medical field as well as the possible reactions these materials can trigger in the body.

For this reason, a dentist may ask patients to participate in biocompatibility testing before providing treatments. Inside, you will learn exactly what this testing entails.

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More and more dentists are going for the “metal-free” option these days, both at the request of patients and after learning about the harmful effects of having metal in the mouth for decades at a time. To help keep patients at ease about their dental restorations and implants, your dentist has gone the extra mile to provide a metal-free option, known as CeraRoot.

To learn what CeraRoot is and how it can replace your missing tooth without the use of metal components, keep reading!

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Every year, approximately 3.5 million patients have their wisdom teeth removed. More often than not, these patients are given a bottle of Vicodin, Percocet, or other opioid to help them manage pain they experience in aftercare. At the same time, the United States is experiencing an opioid crisis. According to a 2011 study from the Journal of the American Dental Association, roughly 23 percent of opioids in the U.S. are used non-medically.

So what does your dentist think of all this? Keep reading to find out.

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Studies indicate that the mouth is a window into the rest of the body. Chances are, if you have good oral health, there is a good chance that your body is also generally healthy. If you have periodontal disease, you are actually at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Research has also found that patients with gum disease had a higher risk of stroke and developing diseases of the blood vessels and arteries.

To learn about the link and how to protect yourself, keep reading this post from your dentist.

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Did you know that you are still at risk for oral cancer even if you don’t use tobacco products? It is regularly referred to as the “silent killer” because the signs are difficult to catch early. As a result, many people do not realize they have it until it is too late. On average, oral cancer takes a life every hour in the United States and appears three times more often than cervical cancer.

Even worse, 66 percent of oral cancer cases are not discovered until the late stages, a period where the five-year survival rate is barely above 20 percent. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, your dentist wanted to address how his practice is working diligently to catch oral cancer before it is too late.

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Diet soda has always branded itself as a healthier alternative to the regular stuff. It usually contains less sugar and makes you feel guilt-free for consuming. Pretty soon, you find yourself drinking it every day, typically with your lunch. You’ve become so comfortable with it that you can’t see why you’d ever need to change.

That is, until you visit your dentist for your regular checkup. After a few minutes into your examination, your dentist asks you “Have you been eating more sugar lately?” At this point you’re confused. By drinking diet soda, you’re drinking less sugar by definition. How could you still have cavities?

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