The Difference Between a White and Silver Filling.

Composite: The dentist only removes the decay.  Essentially a 'hole' surrounded by healthy tooth remains.  That 'hole' is then filled with white composite that is bonded or glued to the sides of the 'hole.' This strengthens the tooth, looks like the tooth and feels smooth.

Amalgam or silver fillings: Since no bonding or 'glue' is used with a sliver filling, the dentist has to remove the decay and then shape the tooth in such a way that the silver filling will lock itself into place.  This means that healthy tooth has to be removed to prepare the tooth for a silver filling.

We like to keep as much of the natural, healthy tooth as we can.  Therefore a composite is likely recommended.

Image: The black lines indicate the amount of tooth removed to prepare the tooth for a filling.  The gray indicates the cavity or decay.

Electronic Cigarettes and Your Mouth

"I don't smoke cigarettes anymore; I switched to e-cigs. How does that impact my mouth?"

They Contain Toxins

Specifically, a harmful one and one unique to e-cigs, is diethylene glycol.  Diethylene glycol is used in anti-freeze, lead and chromium.  When inhaling an aerosol the first contact (the mouth) is the hottest and most potent.  This changes the make up of your cells, in a negative way.

Additionally, significant amounts of metal toxins leak from the coils in an e-cigarette.  Unsafe levels of nickel, lead, chromium and manganese are in the mouth and then inhaled.  Chronic inhalation of these metals can cause lung, liver, immune and cardiovascular and brain damage as well as cancers.

Nicotine's Role

E-cigarette contain liquid nicotine.  Nicotine in any form is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it cuts off the blood flow to the teeth and gums.  It chokes the tissue and causes death to the gum tissue.  Nicotine also cuts of salivary flow.  Saliva plays an important role in washing and protecting the teeth. Without it you become more at risk for decay, bad breath and gingivitis.  Nicotine is a stimulant and can also cause or intensify grinding or clenching.  This can result in jaw pain, wear, cracking and breaking of teeth.

Nicotine can also hide the symptoms of gum disease.  At the dental office, our first 'clue' to a gum problem is bleeding.  Since nicotine restricts blood flow, a smoker or vaper's, tissue won't bleed as easily until the disease is more advanced.

So what should you do to protect your oral health, if you use e-cigarettes?

• Obviously, quitting is recommend not only for your dental health, but for the health of your body.
• Drink water.  Due to using nicotine use, dry mouth is a concern.  Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help lubricate the mouth, reducing decay and bad breath.
• Switch to no nicotine e-liquid.  Eliminating nicotine will reduce dental diseases
• Better Oral Hygiene.  Smokers and Vapers have to work harder than most because they are higher risk for dental diseases.  While some can get away with flossing a few times a week, smokers and vapers cannot.
• Visit the Dentist.  Be sure to maintain regular visits to the dentist and get regular x-rays.  This will help reduce decay and gum disease and/or catch it at an early and treatable stage.