Ryan Hussong, DDS

It’s National Women’s Health Week! Studies show that women pay more attention to their oral health than men. Females are more likely to brush and floss daily, but some dental problems are caused by life’s natural changes. Dr. Hussong would like to discuss the oral health changes associated with womanhood.

Menstruation

During puberty, the progesterone and estrogen hormones increase the blood circulation to your gums, causing sensitivity, irritation, redness, tenderness, and bleeding. Additionally, some young women experience menstruation gingivitis—a condition that causes gum inflammation right before a menstrual cycle. Furthermore, oral contraceptives can contribute to gingivitis if taken long-term, and may increase the risk of dry socket after an extraction. Some antibiotics used to treat periodontal disease and other health problems may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control. Make sure you tell Dr. Hussong what medications you’re taking to determine effective treatment options.

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It’s National Drinking Water Week! As summer approaches, the warmer weather will increase your body’s need for water. Your body loses water through sweating, urination, and breathing—and it’s important to drink water to restore the lost liquid to keep your body strong, hydrated, and energized. Before you grab your water bottle to rejuvenate your thirst, Dr. Hussong wants to encourage you to head to the tap, instead.

Fluoride in Tap Water

According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, about 75 percent of a person’s fluoride intake comes from water and processed beverages. Fluoride is a mineral that helps re-mineralize and strengthen your tooth enamel to protect against cavities. About 62 percent of the U.S. population has access to adequate levels of fluoride in community water supplies. Many communities fluoridate natural tap water to provide the level recommended for optimal dental health, which is .7 to 1.2 parts per million. On the other hand, studies show that bottled water doesn’t contain enough fluoride. In fact, one study found that children consuming bottled water received 26 to 48 percent less fluoride than those who drink tap water.

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Our team at Cornerstone Dental understands that you may be hesitant about committing to dental treatments. Dr. Ryan Hussong practices conservative dentistry and won’t recommend a treatment that is not beneficial to your oral health. However, if you’re still uncertain, our ToothIQ™ system can answer all your questions.

Confident Dental Care

Dr. Hussong uses ToothIQ™ to make sure you feel confident about the dental care you’re receiving. The technology uses detailed drawings and animations to show you the before and after effects of treatment. If you have any of the following questions, you may benefit from ToothIQ™ education:

• “Is the recommended treatment really necessary?”
• “What will happen if I don’t receive treatment?”
• “I don’t understand my recommended treatment.”
• “What will my smile look like after treatment?”

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