• (727) 586-2681
  • 1472 Jordan Hills Court, Clearwater, FL 33756

clearwater periodontist

Mountain Dew Mouth?

The beverages Americans are consuming daily are a MAJOR contributor of tooth erosion and decay. SOFT DRINKS, ENERGY DRINKS, and SPORTS DRINKS have an extremely high amount of processed sugar. Both the sugar levels in these drinks and acid levels are a cause for alarm for dentists.

Clearwater, Florida Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten warns that soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks are causing tooth erosion and tooth decay, particularly in younger patients.

“While diabetes is now a well-publicized national epidemic that is gathering more and more attention, most media coverage ignores the root cause of this epidemic – dietary SUGAR.” And Dr. Britten says the increase of sugars is not only found in foods, but he has noticed the beverages that Americans are consuming daily to be a MAJOR contributor of tooth erosion and decay. He goes onto explain that “SOFT DRINKS, ENERGY DRINKS, and SPORTS DRINKS have an extremely high amount of processed sugar!” While Dr. Britten recognizes that sugar is causing a major increase in Diabetes in both the older and younger population, he says it is also a cause for alarm for dentists with its’ negative affect on patients’ dental health.

Dr. Britten says, “Most sodas have 30 grams, or approximately 8 teaspoons, of pure sugar per 12 ounce serving. It is common to get a “super-sized” soft drink at a convenience store or fast food restaurant that provides even more. Additionally, these drinks have a pH of 3.0, which is very acidic!” He explains that the combination acid and sugar attack can cause rampant tooth decay that sneaks up on the drinker before they recognize it. “Most dentists would even agree that Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper are two of the most potent decay-causing sodas on the market.” So much so that there is a term for it… “Mountain Dew Mouth.'”

Dr. Britten cautions, “It is important for parents, teenagers and young adults to limit their soda and energy drink intake, brush and floss carefully, use fluoride toothpaste, and have regular dental checkup visits.” And, he says, if your drink has more than 6 grams of sugar on the label, consider something else. “Diet soda is not a recommended alternative as the pH is still very acidic and some evidence suggests certain ingredients to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) over time. “As you could probably guess,” he says, “the most healthy drink available for your teeth is natural spring water! (pH = 7.0, perfectly neutral).”

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten received his Bachelor of Science & Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Florida, a Master’s Degree and Certificate in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry; and completed extensive training at the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. He is one of the only board-certified periodontists in Pinellas County. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Florida Association of Periodontists, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Research Association and Florida West Coast Dental Association.

To learn more about Dr. Britten and his dental implant or periodontal services, call (727) 586-2681 or visit https://brittenperio.com.

Pictured is an x-ray of a 35 year old with healthy teeth, and a 29 year old after a Mountain Dew addiction.

6th Annual Veteran’s Day Event

Britten Periodontics dontics & Implant Dentistry is looking forward to holding our 6th annual Free Dental Day for Veterans on Friday, November 13, 2020.  Once again this year, with the help of our restorative specialists, we hope to be able to provide extractions, full dentures, fillings, dental implants, dental cleanings, x-rays and exams. We are at capacity for our screening in September for this year’s veterans.

In our past events, sedation dentistry in our office has been very helpful for those veterans needing advanced treatment, suffer from PTSD or have a fear of the dentist. This is something we look forward to every year! www.brittenperio.com

Your Safety is Our # 1 Priority!

We appreciate the cooperation of all our patients, team members and colleagues since we returned in May of this year after the temporary shut-down of non-emergency dental services back in March because of COVID-19! We have to say, thanks to everyone’s diligence and cooperation, our dental office is truly a safe place to be!

We continue to the guidance of the American Dental Association and also the American Academy of Periodontology (APA). The APA has been diligently monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the American Dental Association (ADA), and state and local agencies.

The AAP recommended that periodontists refer to all appropriate state and federal recommendations and mandates and regularly consult state dental boards or other regulating agencies for information and rules specific to their jurisdictions. The CDC has provided guidance specifically for dental professionals, interim infection prevention and control guidance for dental settings, and a framework for healthcare systems to be followed. We are diligently following this advice here at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida.

At Britten Periodontics, we continue to use evidence-based decision making in our practice to ensure our team and our patients remain healthy. We are keeping with the most up-to-date global and national information regarding the virus.

We know that it hasn’t been easy for everyone, but the outstanding cooperation and kindness of our extraordinary patients and team has made it so easy to continue doing what we love – which is to deliver comfortable care and ethical treatment in a welcoming and SAFE environment.

Periodontists are taking extra precautions to protect patient safety during global pandemic

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) stresses the importance of maintaining periodontal health during the COVID-19 outbreak. The AAP also announced that its members are committed to implementing rigorous safety measures in an effort to ensure the health and well-being of patients and reduce the risk of exposure during the pandemic.

“It is well-established science that periodontal disease and systemic disease are interconnected,” said Dr. Bryan Frantz, President of the AAP. “As a result, establishing and maintaining healthy teeth and gums is fundamental to overall health. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected most aspects of life, but with the right patient safety measures in place that align with state and local guidelines, it should not impact your ability to receive periodontal care.”

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and if left untreated lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked to several other serious conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

The WHO’s recent recommendations to delay non-essential dental care cite the risk of disease transmission as a result of the close proximity between dental professionals and patients and due to the aerosols produced by certain dental procedures. However, there is limited evidence to support the claim that dental offices pose an increased risk of spreading disease, including COVID-19.

Additionally, the AAP states that routine visits with a periodontist are crucial to maintaining the health of teeth and gums. “Many patients under the care of a periodontist are undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan,” says Dr. Frantz. “Regular check-ups are an important part of this treatment, and any delay in care could lead to a worsening of their periodontal condition.”

Accordingto Dr. Frantz, periodontists are uniquely experienced in infection control and other safety measures to protect themselves and their patients from disease exposure. “As dental professionals who are predominantly involved with surgical procedures, periodontists have always been committed to ensuring that effective safety barriers are in place for patients. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, members of the AAP are adhering to COVID-19 mandates issued by state and local agencies and implementing additional measures to ensure the safety of both their patients and their staff.”

Additional measures include regular temperature checks for both staff and patients, social distancing, the use of personal protective equipment such as face shields, masks, and gloves, and rigorous infection control and sanitation procedures.

For more information or to find a periodontist, visit perio.org.

Source:  https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/american-academy-of-periodontology-stresses-the-importance-of-periodontal-health-during-covid-19-1003954235/

About the American Academy of Periodontology:

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the leading professional association of periodontists, dentistry’s experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. AAP members are dedicated to supporting the optimal oral and overall health and excellent quality of life for their patients through exceptional periodontal care. Periodontists receive three years of additional training following dental school to hone their clinical, surgical, and anatomical skills. Periodontics is one of the twelve recognized specialties of the American Dental Association (ADA).

Homecare Products We Love & Quick Links to Buy!

Dental Floss:

Tight spaces/Good for those spaces that other floss shreds easily https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste-floss/listerine-ultraclean-floss

A great, thin, unwaxed floss, POH dental floss: https://buypoh.com/oral-hygiene/

GUM expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gum+expanding+floss

INTERDENTAL BRUSHES AND SOFTPICKS

SOFTPICKS (Original, Advanced, or Wider Spaces):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning.html

GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html

TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!):  https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original

GUM Brand rubbertip stimulator:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-stimulator.html

Oral B end tufted brush:  https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush

TEPE compact end tufted brush:  https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft

GUM brand tongue scraper:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html

Proxysoft Bridge & Implant Floss:  https://proxysoft.com/product/proxysoft-bridge-implant-cleaners/

TEPE Universal Care Brush:  https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-universal-care

Thinner floss with threader attached for tight spaces:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-easythread-floss.html

GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html

TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!):  https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original

How Cleaning Between Your Teeth Can Change Your Life & Other Dental Hygiene Tips :)

Here at Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten and his dental hygiene team work together with our patients to tailor home oral care recommendations, focusing on a very personalized approach to treatment and prevention.

Home oral care is such an important contributor to oral health, and can help lessen the need for extensive dental problems. Here are some of our top tips to good oral hygiene!

Our last Blog Article Covered the Importance of Proper Toothbrushing.  Now, let’s talk about how and why to clean well between your teeth – daily!

The areas in between the teeth cannot be reached with a toothbrush. This is the primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay!!  This is why it is so important to clean between your teeth every day.  Traditionally, floss has been used to remove this disease producing bacteria, but softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in sizes and gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients, even more effective than flossing alone!

Softpicks are also a great tool for daily use between the teeth, for tighter spaces. They come in Original, Advanced (With a curved, longer handle) and a bigger size for Wider Spaces


LINK FOR PRODUCTS WE LOVE:  https://mailchi.mp/85b2a6a889d6/britten-perio-homecare-products-we-love

Who should see a periodontist?

Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist. A referral directly from a general dentist is not necessary to visit a periodontist.

Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with moderate to severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.

If you have questions about your gum health, contact us today!

How a periodontist can change your smile

From Perio.Org:

“PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURES
Periodontists are often considered the plastic surgeons of dentistry. If you are looking to improve your smile, a periodontist may be able to help.

GUMMY SMILE OR UNEVEN GUM LINE
Do you feel your teeth look too short and your smile is too gummy or your gums cover too much of some teeth while leaving the others the right length? If so, dental crown lengthening might be the solution for you. During this procedure, excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the crown of the tooth. Then your gumline is sculpted to give your new smile just the right look.

LONG TEETH/EXPOSED ROOTS
Sometimes gum recession causes the tooth root to become exposed, which makes your teeth look long and can make you look older than you are. This recession can happen as a result of a variety of causes, including periodontal diseases.

Gum graft surgery and other root coverage procedures are designed to cover exposed roots, to reduce further gum recession and to protect vulnerable roots from decay.

INDENTATIONS IN THE GUMS AND JAWBONE
Tooth loss can cause an indentation in the gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be. This happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not only is this indention unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth.

Ridge augmentation can fill in this defect recapturing the natural contour of the gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created that is natural looking, easy to clean and beautiful.”

If you have questions about how we can approve the appearance of your smile, contact our Clearwater periodontal office today!

Let’s talk about permanent, non-removable teeth replacement options

Fixed bridge

Replacing a missing tooth with a fixed bridge requires preparation of at least one of the adjacent teeth on each side for a crown. It is important to still care for the teeth on each side of the bridge to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. This will require careful plaque control with brushing, using a floss threader under the bridge, and sometimes the addition of a rubbertip stimulator to clean under the margins of the abutment teeth (the teeth supporting the bridge which will now have full coverage restorations cemented on them).

Dental implant

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium (the same material used in many replacement hips and knees), a metal that is well suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

Implant Supported Dentures

There are two types of implant supported dentures, bar-retained dentures and ball-retained dentures. Both types of dentures require two or more dental implants to be placed and both will provide you with a beautiful, natural smile.

Many patients prefer implant-supported dentures to traditional dentures because they alleviates much of the discomfort and rubbing of traditional dentures. The denture is held in place far more securely and is less likely to come loose. Dr. Britten is a dental implant specialist who can evaluate to see if you are a better candidate for a fixed bridge, dental implant or implant-supported dentures. Call us today 727-586-2681 or visit www.brittenperio.com

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