Many of our patients experience dry mouth to some extent, either short or long term. The most common cause of dry mouth is prescription medication. A patient taking drugs such as an anti-anxiety, anti-depressant or blood pressure medications are likely to experience dry mouth. Aside from being uncomfortable when you have a dry mouth, it may make speech more difficult and also puts you at an increased risk for tooth decay. Your dental hygienist and dentist may be able to diagnose if you experience dry mouth at your routine visits, but if you already know you are experiencing dry mouth, take a few simple steps to keep your risk of decay as low as possible.

Drink plenty of water and avoid liquid sugars like soda, juice and energy drinks. Think diet soda or black coffee is a safe alternative to these sugary drinks? Think again! Although these do not contain sugar, they are acidic and can be significant contributors to decay and dry mouth.

Chew xylitol gum or use xylitol mints in between meals. Xylitol is a sugar alternative that will help neutralize the pH in your mouth and increase your salivary flow.

Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to help keep oral tissues moist.

Talk with your friendly staff at Elmbrook family dental for suggestions on other dry mouth aids. There are many products on the market, and they would be happy to help you find one that is best for you!

We are excited to announce that we are hosting our Fifth Annual March Madness tournament for our current patients! It has been a hit every year, so if you have not participated in the past, we encourage you to join us this year. Here are this years prizes:

1st place: $150 Bartolotta Gift Card

2nd place: 4 Tickets to a Brewers Game (game date to be determined)

3rd place: Custom Whitening Trays and a $25 Bravo Gift Card

4th place: $25 Gift Card to Bravo

Here’s how it works: Go to http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/frontpage and create and account. Once you have logged in, click the “My Groups” link toward the top of the page. Type “Elmbrook Family Dental” into the search box. You can then enter the group password “TEETH” to join. Create your own bracket using your ACTUAL NAME (so we know who you are if you win!) and choose the teams you think will win. For more information, click the “How to play” link.

In order to play, your bracket must be complete by tip-off time of the first game on March 20th. You will not be able to choose your teams until the field is announced on March 16th.

The contest through ESPN is open to anyone, however you must be a current patient (seen within the last 12 months) in order to win prizes through Elmbrook Family Dental.

Good luck!!

We are excited to announce that we are hosting our Fifth Annual March Madness tournament for our current patients! It has been a hit every year, so if you have not participated in the past, we encourage you to join us this year. Here are this years prizes:

1st place: $150 Bartolotta Gift Card

2nd place: 4 Tickets to a Brewers Game (game date to be determined)

3rd place: Custom Whitening Trays and a $25 Bravo Gift Card

4th place: $25 Gift Card to Bravo

Here’s how it works: Go to http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/en/frontpage and create and account. Once you have logged in, click the “My Groups” link toward the top of the page. Type “Elmbrook Family Dental” into the search box. You can then enter the group password “TEETH” to join. Create your own bracket using your ACTUAL NAME (so we know who you are if you win!) and choose the teams you think will win. For more information, click the “How to play” link.

In order to play, your bracket must be complete by tip-off time of the first game on March 20th. You will not be able to choose your teams until the field is announced on March 16th.

The contest through ESPN is open to anyone, however you must be a current patient (seen within the last 12 months) in order to win prizes through Elmbrook Family Dental.

Good luck!!

Gum recession is exposure of the roots of the teeth that occurs as either a loss of gum tissue or when the gum tissue retracts. Many of our patients have recession to some extent. So, if you have cold sensitivity or sensitivity during cleanings, be sure to discuss the possibility that you may have gum recession.

Recession commonly comes from clenching and grinding, brushing too hard, acid reflux or a history of wearing braces. Prevention of further recession may include treatment with a night guard, a change in your brushing technique or treating acid reflux. Unfortunately, once recession occurs, your gums will not “grow” back. So, in minor cases we simply do our best to ensure that it does not get worse. In severe cases, a referral to a gum specialist may be necessary.

Not all patients who have recession experience sensitivity. If you’re one of the lucky ones who is asymptomatic, it is still important to understand that there are risks. Because the root surface is so soft, you can actually start to scrub your roots away over time! Be cautious of heavy handed brushing. The roots are then also more susceptible to decay.

If sensitivity is an issue for you, there are some options! Using a sensitive toothpaste on a daily basis can help to seal up small tubules on your roots. An in-office treatment called a fluoride varnish can also be placed after your cleanings. This varnish protects and restores roots as well as seals them away from cold sensitivity. A varnish treatment twice a year can really decrease your sensitivity! If localized areas have been worn away, your dentist may recommend placing a small white filling in that area. This can also aid in reducing sensitivity and reduce your risk of decay reaching the nerve.

We measure and monitor your recession for you on a yearly basis, so it is important for you to see us for your cleaning and check ups. Together we will work hard at keeping your smile beautiful and pain free!