4/30/2020

Dear Patients:

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies’ recommendations.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. Please be patient with us as we all adapt to this new “normal”.

For example:

· Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.

· We ask that you wear a facemask in the office, if possible, but NO GLOVES.

· We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.

· You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.

· Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.

· We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice.

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

Keep Smiling!

Dr. Dowell and Team

Causes of Tooth Erosion

By Stephen Dowell, DDS on November 20, 2017

An illustration of the anatomy of a tooth You know that brushing and flossing can help prevent dental conditions such as cavities and gum disease. But did you know that the foods you eat, regular wear and tear on the teeth, and bad dental habits can cause a condition known as tooth erosion? Tooth erosion is a serious condition in which the outer, protective layer of enamel breaks down. This can increase tooth sensitivity and put you at a higher risk of developing other dental problems.

At Dowell Dental Group, Dr. Stephen C. Dowell, Dr. Byron Rossi, and Dr. Somonkul Tum educate patients about the causes of tooth erosion. We also offer dental procedures to improve your oral health at our Minerva, OH practice. To learn more about the causes of tooth erosion, read on, and then contact our practice to schedule an appointment with us.

Acidic Foods and Drinks

Regularly consuming acidic foods and drinks can accelerate tooth erosion. For example, sodas contain phosphoric and citric acids, which can damage tooth enamel over time. Fruit drinks also contain citric acids, which wear away the tooth enamel when left on the teeth for long periods of time. Other acidic foods and drinks include fruit, alcohol, coffee, tomato-based products, and many condiments.

While it is often unreasonable to expect patients to avoid these foods and drinks altogether, there are steps patients can take to limit their damage. After consuming acidic foods and drinks, rinse the mouth out with water to neutralize their effects. Avoid brushing the teeth immediately after consumption, and instead wait about 30 minutes before brushing the teeth.

Biting and Chewing

While acidic foods and drinks have a corrosive effect on tooth enamel, the act of biting and chewing can gradually wear down tooth enamel as well. This is why tooth erosion is more common in senior patients. After a lifetime of use, the enamel on the teeth will break down in some areas.

Teeth Grinding

While biting and chewing are impossible to avoid, other actions, such as teeth grinding, should be prevented. Teeth grinding can accelerate enamel wear through the act of attrition. Frequent tooth-to-tooth friction will damage tooth enamel. If you chronically grind your teeth, a condition known as bruxism that commonly occurs at night while you sleep, you need to wear a mouth guard to prevent early tooth erosion.

Bad Dental Habits

Certain bad dental habits can cause tooth abrasion, leading to early damage of your tooth enamel. Poor dental habits such as brushing the teeth too hard, improper flossing, biting on inedible objects such as your fingernails, and using your teeth as tools can contribute to tooth erosion.

Other Causes of Tooth Erosion

There are other causes of tooth erosion, including:

Acid reflux disease
Gastrointestinal problems
Frequent vomiting
Dry mouth
Certain medications

If you have tooth erosion, our dentists can recommend treatment to protect the teeth from further damage. Some treatments for tooth erosion include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, dental fillings, and dental crowns. To find out which treatment is best suited to your unique case, contact Dowell Dental Group today.

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We hope you never experience a dental emergency, but if you do, we’re here for you. Dr. Dowell is available around the clock to help in the event of an emergency. Please call our main line for more information.
Dowell Dental Group