Greystone Smile Design, the office of Hoover dentists Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney, is proud to support Spain Park Football.

Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss can help remove plaque.  Regular dental examinations and cleanings are also important in keeping teeth healthy.

Another key to good oral health is fluoride.  This mineral helps prevent cavities by interfering in the process by which bacteria produce acid.  Fluoride can also help repair teeth in the very early stages of the disease process by being incorporated into the tooth and thus making it stronger.

Fluoride can be obtained in two forms:  topical and systemic.

Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel.  Examples include fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinses, as well as fluoride treatments in the dental office.  Systemic fluorides are those that are swallowed.  Examples include fluoridated water and dietary fluoride supplements.  The maximum reduction in dental cavities is achieved when fluoride is available both topically and systemically.

Water Fluoridation

For 65 years, community water fluoridation has been a safe and healthy way to effectively prevent tooth decay.  Fluoridation costs an estimated $0.94 per person-year on the average.  The Center of Disease Control has recognized water fluoridation as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.  The amount of fluoride in water is around 1 part per million, and research shows an 18-40% reduction in cavities since its implementation.

Adverse Effects

Fluoride’s adverse effects depend on total fluoride dosage from all sources. The only clear adverse effect is too much fluoride which can cause dental fluorosis.  Excess fluoride can come from well water, toothpaste, fluoride supplements, or a combination.  This can alter the appearance of children’s teeth during tooth development causing unsightly brown stains on the teeth.  These teeth are highly resistant to decay, but the spots can be esthetically unpleasing.  The best treatment for fluorosis is veneers, however, Deep Bleaching has proven to work in some cases. 

Despite support by public health organizations and authorities, efforts to introduce water fluoridation have met considerable opposition whenever it has been proposed.  Antifluoridationist literature links fluoride exposure to a wide variety of effects, including AIDS, allergy, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, and low IQ, along with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, pineal gland, and thyroid.  None of this has been proven in scientific literature. 

Types of Fluoride

Stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) appear to be equally effective at preventing cavities.  However, they differ in terms of application frequency, taste, cost, stability, gum tissue acceptance, and staining tendency.

Many stannous fluoride products have a bitter taste and some have been shown to cause tooth staining.  Stannous fluoride may occasionally contribute to gum irritation. On the basis of available research, stannous fluoride appears to be the most effective type from a cavity prevention standpoint.

Sodium fluoride has an acceptable taste and does not cause staining or gum irritation.  Its primary drawback is that it requires more office applications than APF.  Neutral pH sodium fluoride preparations may be, on the basis of preliminary research findings, the treatment of choice for patients with extensive porcelain or composite restorations.  Some investigators have cautioned against using low pH fluorides which may etch restorative surfaces.

Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) is usually applied biannually making it more convenient than sodium fluoride office topicals.  APF is stable in plastic containers and is usually flavored for an acceptable taste.  

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The school is encouraging the students to participate in the Fun Run to promote health and exercise.  Proceeds will be used to better the learning environment in the Inverness community.

Greystone Smile Design

To learn more about how to get a dazzling white smile, visit us today!

Teeth whitening is the most common and easiest cosmetic dental procedure, although over half of the public has never tried it.  And a recent poll revealed why – the fear of sensitivity.

Read more…

Brittany C. – Moody, AL

“We have had nothing but great things to say about Greystone Smile Design and Dr. Trent Buchanan. Dr. Buchanan is thoughtful and personable and really has a passion for dentistry. The team in the office goes out of their way to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible, and that you have a great experience. My entire family would suggest to anyone that they trust this practice for their ongoing dental needs.?”

Kevin F. – Hoover, AL

Read more Patient Testimonials…

But what if we could numb your tooth without you even knowing it?  Or, better yet, what if we could do some procedures without the use of “beedles” altogether.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Shown cutting the ribbon is Dr. Trent Buchanan, assisted by Dr. Tom Dudney, as Mayor Tony Petelos looks on. They are surrounded by dozens of friends and family members, as well as several chamber ambassadors.

 Visit Greystone Smile Design today!  Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 12 pm – 8 pm, Wednesday and Friday 8 am – 4 pm, and every other Saturday 9 am – 4 pm.

Silent Nite Anti-Snoring Device

Is your snoring keeping the neighbors awake?  We have the answer for you!  With a success rate of over 80%, the Silent Nite Anti-Snoring device is the most popular on the market.  It can not only help with the noise, but also make you feel more refreshed in the morning.

Studies estimate that 45% of men and 30% of women snore on a regular basis.  Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for the bed partner of the person who snores. However, the habitual snorer not only disrupts the sleep patterns of those close to him, he also disturbs his own. Habitual snorers snore whenever they sleep and are often tired after a night of what seems like quality rest.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

As dentists, we seem to always focus on the negatives.  Don’t eat candy or you’ll get a cavity; don’t brush too hard or your gums will recede; don’t eat ice or you could chip a tooth.  We could talk about the risky business of kissing, like the sharing of harmful bacteria or the transmission of different illnesses.  But not today.  We’ll only explore the positives of the “make out” and discuss ways to “kiss a little longer.”

Kissing and Oral Health

The greatest benefit from kissing comes from increased saliva.  If some is good, more is better.  Protective qualities of saliva include:

• Helps prevent cavities by neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria
• Contains calcium and phosphorous (“tooth vitamins”) that help to re-mineralize teeth
• Contains antibodies that help fight infection
• Cleanses the mouth by flushing away cavity-causing food particles

The exchange of bacteria during kissing can sometimes be a good thing.  This stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the foreign bacteria, making you more resistant to certain illnesses. 

Bring Back the Freshness

We want this Valentine’s Day kiss to be perfect, so here are a few tips to get that irresistible fresh breath.

• Brush your tongue.  This can be the single, most beneficial treatment for bad breath.  The back portion of the tongue is found to harbor the bad-breath bacteria, due to its inability to self-cleanse.  Toothpaste may be used to give you the added minty taste.  A tongue scraper may also be used if the toothbrush isn’t doing the job.
• Evaluate your diet.  Avoid foods with a noticeable odor, such as garlic and onions.  Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled.  Also, try to avoid skipping meals.  Eating aids in stimulating the washing action of saliva and helps to remove bacteria from the tongue. 
• Floss.  Particles of food can remain between the teeth, collecting bacteria and causing a foul odor.  Flossing will eliminate this, but don’t just pop the floss through.  You want to floss each tooth by forming a “C” around the tooth you’re flossing (like drying off your back after a shower – same idea).
• Use a Mouthwash.  Although most mouthwashes only provide temporary relief, combining a rinse and a brush in the middle of the day can be very beneficial.  This can easily be incorporated into your everyday routine.  Be cautious when using mouthwashes with alcohol, as this may cause dry mouth thus worsening the condition. 

So, you have your dentist’s permission to let the kissing begin.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Raisins have been shown to provide many overall health benefits.  They can help maintain blood sugar levels in athletes, and the high fiber content can help regulate intestinal function.  Also, antioxidants are present to reduce cancer risks, and the potassium content can help maintain blood pressure.  If that’s not enough, the small, convenient packages can be excellent at controlling hunger. 

But what are the effects on teeth?  With all the sugar and stickiness, they must be toward the top of the dentist’s no no list…right?  Not so fast my friend.  Research from the University of Illionios Chicago shows that raisins may not be as bad for teeth as traditionally believed.  They found that raisins contain five compounds, called phytochemicals, that reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.  Phytochemicals are currently a popular material to research because of their cancer and disease fighting properties.  Raisins also have another chemical that has been shown to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from attaching to the enamel surface.  So, they reduce the number of bad bacteria and also reduce the number of bad bacteria that actually attach to teeth.  Not bad!  For more on how bacteria and sugar cause cavities, check out “Is Gum Good For Your Teeth.”

So you’re telling me to eat a bunch of raisins for better oral health?  Well, somewhat.  The potential for cavities still exists when sugar is present in the diet, but when coupled with proper oral hygiene, raisins can be a great adjunct to maintaining good oral health.  And, combined with all the overall health benefits, adding raisins to your diet creates a win-win relationship – just don’t forget to brush and floss! 

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The Best Source of Caffeine for Your Oral Health

Can you live without caffeine?  I know I can’t.  I patient recently asked me what the best “source” of caffeine was based on oral health.  A great question! 

My aunt started a new diet, which refrained her from caffeine…and she claimed she lost 6 friends!  As Americans, we are all addicted to caffeine, in one way or another.  Ninety percent of all Americans will ingest caffeine in some form each day.  This fact makes caffeine the most popular drug in America, and one of the most addictive.  Caffeine gives you energy, makes you feel awake, and makes you feel happy. 

The most common delivery methods are via sodas, chocolate, coffee, tea, and energy drinks.  But, which one is best for your teeth?  With our caffeine-crazed society, we’ll explore the good and the bad for the most popular caffeine-containing foods and drinks.  Areas evaluated will be focused on amounts of caffeine, sugar content, teeth staining potential, and erosiveness.

To read the rest of this article, click here. 

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Highway 280 is Alabama’s second-busiest roadway, and to judge by the newspapers and local politicians, Birmingham’s biggest headache.  Stand on the western slope of Oak Mountain on any weekday morning and you can trace an unbroken river of taillights flowing mile after idle mile, from the stalled SUVs at your shoulder to the minivans inching up Shades Mountain in the far distance.

Drivers drowning in the middle of a 280 traffic jam have plenty of time to think up easy fixes for the congestion, and they do: add more lanes, ban the big rigs, build some public transport, and, best of all, turn this baby into one giant freeway. 

Read more to see what your dentist at Greystone Smile Design is doing to help you beat the traffic and maximize your free time! 

7 Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are unfortunate tangibles of life and have proven to be inevitable in today’s active lifestyles.  The baseball to the face or the elbow to the lip usually happens at the most inopportune time, adding havoc to an already busy schedule. 

Emergencies, including injuries, pain, and swellings, can be potentially serious and should not be ignored.  The common theme in this post is simple:  SEE YOUR DENTIST!  But, what do you do in the meantime?  And, what if your dentist office is not open or you can’t get an answer on the emergency line?  Read on for information on what to do in these ill-timed situations.

To read the rest of this article, click here.

I have a friend who went to a new dental office a few years ago and was diagnosed with 8 cavities, even though his last dentist claimed he was cavity-free just 6 months earlier.  Sound familiar?  This has become a big issue in the dental world because the diagnosis of most cavities (the ones that can’t be seen on x-rays) is very subjective – based on the expert opinion of the dentist at hand. 

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Greystone Smile Design, the office of Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney, is a proud member of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce.  The Hoover Chamber’s main purposes are to provide services to their community, member businesses, visitors, and prospective residents.  Learn more about the city of Hoover.

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Greystone Smile Design is a state-of-the-art dental practice in the Greystone Cosmetic Center.  The office consists of cosmetic, family, and pediatric dental procedures behind the expertise of Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney.  Services include tooth-colored fillings, teeth whitening, veneers, children’s dentistry, implants, dentures, teeth cleanings, root canals, and more.  It truly is an office for the entire family, and that’s something to smile about!

Dr. Buchanan is one of the most aspiring young dentists in the area.  He brings a wealth of knowledge in the fields of restorative dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and emergency treatment.  Dr. Buchanan recently completed the requirements for the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry and will be recognized for his accomplishments at the July 2010 meeting in New Orleans.  Requirements consisted of 500 hours of approved continuing dental education and successul completion of a written examination.  Of the 140,000 dentist in the United States, only approximately 13,000 have earned this impressive honor.

Dr. Dudney, the present program director for the California Center of Advanced Dental Studies, brings an impressive resume relating to cosmetic dentistry.  He has maintained a successful private practice in Alabaster for almost 30 years and was recently featured on The Rick and Bubba Show for the “Fix Mama’s Mouth – Ultimate Mother’s Day Makeover” and ABC 33/40’s Extreme Makeover.  Dr. Dudney’s patients rave about their extraordinary results, but they claim it’s his kindness and caring attitude that sets him apart.

Greystone Smile Design prides itself on impeccable affability, caring availability, and advanced technology to make going to the dentist much more pleasurable.  Below is a list of services that make this “not your average dental office”:

• Extended hours on nights and weekends for your busy schedule
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Limited warranty on all major procedures
• Flat screen TVs in each treatment room for your enjoyment
• Payment Plans to help you get the treatment you deserve
• An anesthetic reversal agent so you’re not numb all day
• Intra-oral cameras for a virtual tour of your mouth
• Invisalign to straighten teeth without braces
• A new bleaching technique that is predictable and permanent
• Digital x-rays to reduce exposure to radiation

The ultimate goal at Greystone Smile Design is optimal oral health for life and creating lasting relationships in the process.  To schedule an appointment, fill out the form above or call 205-433-9452.

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