The Truth About Halloween and Sour Candy

It's almost Halloween, and Dr. Spurlock, as wells as Drs. Ed and Forrest Faulkner, understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candies can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We at Advanced Dental Concepts would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! Advanced Dental Concepts wishes you a happy and safe Halloween!

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection --- Advanced Dental Concepts

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Let's face it, gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Advanced Dental Concepts want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth

Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

Hope this helps! We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

--Advanced Dental Concepts team

Meet Dr. Forrest Faulkner

Dr. Forrest Faulkner is a native of Pensacola, Florida. She attended Washington High School, and then graduated from the University of Florida, Gainesville with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition. Dr. Faulkner received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association.

Dr. Faulkner became part of the Advanced Dental Concepts team in July of 2008. She is committed to providing the highest quality care to all patients and to giving back to the community.

Meet Dr. Ed Faulkner

Dr. Ed Faulkner grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where he attended Hoover High School. He graduated Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He then completed dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association.

Dr. Faulkner is excited to be a part of the Advanced Dental Concepts team and is dedicated to serving the needs of his patients.

Meet Dr. Spurlock

A Florida native, Dr. Noel Spurlock attended Milton High School before heading to Louisiana State University where he received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry. From there, Dr. Spurlock went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Emory University in Atlanta, served as an oral surgeon at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, and trained in periodontal surgery, conscious sedation, and oral surgery at the Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio.

To stay up to date on the latest advances in the dental field, Dr. Spurlock participates in over 100 hours of Continuing Education each year and stays involved in many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, and more. He established Advanced Dental Concepts in Pace in 1977 and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the Pace Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Spurlock has been married to his wife Kay since 1982 and they have one daughter, Amy. When he's not at the office, Dr. Spurlock stays involved with the Cokesbury United Methodist Church, where he is an active member, participating in the United Methodist Men fellowship, the church council, financial committee, and staff parish relations. Since 1992, he has participated in foreign dental missions to countries including Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, and Nicaragua.