Make oral health a top priority this winter and avoid tooth damage caused by seasonal treats, says Edmond dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson. ZRYLW: We know it’s a busy month and we appreciate you pulling away to be here today. Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: This time of year it’s especially important to spread the word about caring for your teeth. ZRYLW: Exactly. That’s what we’d like to chat about if that’s okay? Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Yes, ask me anything.

ZRYLW: What is it about the holiday season that entices people to indulge on sugary treats they otherwise turn a blind eye to?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: I think that a lot of it is that it’s there. Couple availability with the good feelings of togetherness and people tend to forget the damage they can do to themselves.

ZRYLW: Does stress play a role in how people care for their teeth from Thanksgiving through the New Year?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Yes! Like you’ve already pointed out, it’s a busy time of year. People simply forget (or have become too exhausted) to brush their teeth!

ZRYLW: Why is it a bad idea to toast the season with wine?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Wines are, by their very nature, highly acidic and sugary. This is a terrible combination for teeth.

ZRYLW: How bad are the inevitable Christmas cookies for your teeth?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Let’s just say as a dentist I am glad this time only comes once a year.

ZRYLW: So… if I do enjoy a treat but I can’t brush immediately?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Keep sugar-free gum on hand.

ZRYLW: Isn’t that bad for your teeth?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: No, it actually helps your mouth produce saliva to wash away the sugars and bacteria.

ZRYLW: Why is jaw soreness so common around this time?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: When people get stressed, they tend to clench their teeth which can strain jaw muscles.

ZRYLW: How can they stop doing that?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: It’s often unconscious – they may not be aware it’s happening or it happens at night during sleep.

ZRYLW: So if it’s a subconscious way to handle stress…can the damage it causes be stopped?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Your dentist may want to give you a custom mouth guard to wear at night to ease the force on the jaws.

ZRYLW: What is that doesn’t work?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: As long as it’s worn, a mouthguard will work.

ZRYLW: It looks like we’re out of time for the day. Thanks for stopping by.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: My pleasure.

ZRYLW: Happy New Year, Dr. Johnson.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: And a Happy New Year to you and all your readers.

Dr. Damon R. Johnson is an Edmond, OK dentist with extensive experience correcting issues of the mouth from the common to the complex. Here, the founder of Damon R. Johnson, DDS Dental Excellence, answers questions about one of the more satisfying aspects of his job, restorative dentistry.

Q: What is restorative dentistry?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Restorative dentistry is the practice of managing diseases of the teeth and restoring proper function to the mouth.

Q: How does it differ from cosmetic dentistry?

Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Cosmetic dentistry deals with making the smile look better. Most cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening and elongation, don’t address the physical limitations of damaged teeth.

Q: What are some ways to prevent dental problems?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Aside from proper oral hygiene like brushing and flossing, regular exams help to identify potential problems so they can be prevented.

Q: What specialties does restorative dentistry encompass?

Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Prosthodontics, periodontics, and endodontics are the most well-known areas. Each of these addresses specific concerns of the mouth, teeth, or gums.

Q: What are CEREC 3D® crowns?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: 3D crowns are custom-crafted covers for missing or damaged teeth. They are made from porcelain and match existing, natural teeth.

Q: What are the benefits of 3D x-rays?

Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: 3D technology is faster and more accurate than traditional x-rays. It allows us to better identify problems and gives a full, panoramic view of the teeth and surrounding bone structure.

Q: What is the WaterLase Laser?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: It is a tool that we utilize to perform certain dental treatments. It is less invasive and has a faster recovery time when compared to a light-based laser. With the WaterLase, we can forgo anesthesia and the ever-dreaded dental drill, in most cases.

Q: What types of procedures is the WaterLase suitable for?

Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: The WaterLase is used for teeth whitening, periodontal treatment, root canals, and to detect cavities. It is also effective at hardening restorative materials, such as crowns.

Q: What is amalgam?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Amalgam is a mercury-based metal alloy that is used to fill cavities.

Q: Is mercury hazardous to humans?

Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: There is some evidence that suggests mercury has a damaging impact on a person’s overall health. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has an interesting short documentary called Smoking Teeth – Toxic Fillings, that explains the potential dangers.

Q: What are the benefits of composite fillings over amalgam?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: In addition to removing the risk associated with mercury-based fillings, composite material looks and feels just like a natural tooth.

Q: Are dental implants a permanent fix for missing teeth?

Edmond, OK dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Implants are permanent replacements that must be anchored to the jawbone as well as existing teeth. At Damon R. Johnson, DDS Dental Excellence, we prefer implants to bridges as they generally improve function without damage to other areas of the mouth.

Q: How long does it take to complete dental implant treatment?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Most implants take at least four months to properly prepare the mouth and complete the treatments. However, more advanced cases can take up to a year.