Most of us who grew up in the 60s and 70s have at least some, if not a mouthful, of silver fillings. Some are finding these fillings, known as Silver Amalgam fillings, to be causing problems. Fillings are falling out, loosening, or teeth are cracking around them as decay has crept in over the years.

Another problem with silver amalgam fillings is the possibility of mercury leaking from the fillings over time. Silver amalgam fillings contain about 50 percent mercury, a chemical that has been scientifically shown to be more toxic than lead, cadmium, or arsenic.

This has prompted a movement toward mercury-free dentistry. The mercury in silver amalgam fillings could slowly leak out of the filling and enter the organs of the body in small amounts throughout a person's life. Some medical practitioners believe this mercury is causing physical and psychological problems in patients. These include neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects, and mental disorders.

The debate is ongoing but many patients are opting to remove their amalgam fillings in order to improve their appearance and ease their minds.

Should you have your fillings removed? Talk to your dentist to learn more about silver amalgam fillings and whether he or she thinks removing them is the best choice for you.

Dr. Charles Martin and Team

These days, there are many choices for adults who are considering teeth straightening, and to comfort you, none of them involve those thick metal bands that wrap around every single tooth. Ceramic braces? Invisalign? Traditional metal? Self-ligating brackets? Or Lingual braces? The options are pretty varied and can be confusing.

The type of braces you choose, if you are an adult about to make the jump, depends on a number of factors. How severe is your bite, or how crooked are your teeth? Are any extractions necessary? Is jaw surgery necessary? Is headgear or other special appliances a possibility, and how long will you need to wear the braces?

Then there are the financial questions, such as, how much are you willing to pay?

And finally, what do you desire? Would you feel embarrassed in metal? Are you only willing to straighten your teeth if Invisalign is used? Do you prefer the look of ceramic or sapphire? Or do you not care, as long as the outcome is good?

Your final choice should be a combination of your preferences, and your orthodontists' expertise. Learn more about teeth straightening, so that your decision works best for your pocketbook and your comfort level.

Dr. Charles Martin and Team

Thrush, or Candidiasis, normally is a fungal infection associated with little babies, but it's actually something adults get as well. Classic symptoms are white patches in the mouth, on the tongue, and inside of the cheeks.

Tissue around the white patches may be pretty painful, red and raw. If scraped, even while tooth brushing, the patches and tissue of the mouth may easily bleed. Patients will say that they feel like they have cotton in their mouth, and might experience a bad taste in their mouth, or bad breath.

Usually a dentist can diagnose Thrush simply by looking at the white patches. If you think you have Thrush, you'll be asked questions about your general health as well. Sometimes diabetes or dentures might cause thrush, or even certain antibiotics.

Try the following to help prevent Thrush:

• Use yogurt or acidophilus capsules when you take antibiotics.

• If you smoke, ask your doctor about the best ways to quit.

• See your dentist regularly, especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures.

• Brush and floss your teeth as often as your dentist recommends.

• Try limiting the amount of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat, including bread, beer and wine. These may encourage the growth of Candida.

Learn more.

Dr. Charles Martin and Team

I'm probably the only father around who has taught his kids to take steps in minimizing the risk of oral cancer.

It was great when my kids were growing up to encourage them to stay away from any kind of tobacco product: cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars, or even smokeless varieties like snuff or chewing tobacco. How could they argue with a dad who is a dentist?

Truly, use of each could increase the risk of oral cancer, and I could provide photographs to strengthen my case. My kids were probably tired of hearing me spout off facts, as well, about how tobacco use combined with alcohol use increases the risk of oral cancer. And, I was quick to tell my kids that long, repeated exposure to the sun could risk cancer on the lower lip.

I probably sounded a lot like Charlie Brown's teacher to them.

Of course, this was coming from a dentist to his own children. But anyone should be concerned for these same things themselves. Oral cancer is one cancer that can be prevented, if good oral health is practiced.

Avoid tobacco, too much alcohol and repeated sun exposure. Make sure to get oral checkups for yourself and your children at least two times a year, even if your mouth or your teeth don't indicate any problems. And if you notice any abnormalities, like bumps or lesions or open sores, learn more about oral cancer and see your dentist immediately.

Dr. Charles Martin and team

I think sometimes there is confusion as to the difference between Gum Disease, Gingivitis and Periodontitis. The three are actually one in the same.

Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults, and there are two major stages of it: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and can be treated and reversed IF diagnosed early. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is the serious and advanced stage of gum disease, which includes bone loss and is irreversible. This is the stage where gum tissue and bone surrounding the teeth become seriously damaged. If not treated immediately, teeth can become lose and fall out.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, see a dentist to discuss treatment:

• Frequent bad breath

• Red and swollen gums that bleed easily

• Gums separating from the teeth

• Loose teeth

• Change in your bite

• Change in the way partials or dentures fit

Regular dental check-ups are a key factor in early detection of gum disease, as well as detecting oral cancer which I till talk about more in my blog tomorrow.

Learn more.

Dr. Charles Martin and Team

Some people are so afraid of going to the dentist, that they have not been to one in years. I just spent some time with a patient the other day that has not seen a dentist in more than 10 years because she is so scared.

If you work yourself up into a tizzy at the though of having to open wide, you might consider sedation dentistry. Although it's not for everyone, here are some things to consider:

• Make sure the sedation dentist you choose has a sedation permit or license, if required by your state.

• Check his or her credentials with the local state dental board, and made sure they follow ADA guidelines.

• Interview your dentist, and ask how they were trained in sedation dentistry.

• Be prepared to be your own advocate.

• Find a dentist and staff who are caring.

• Make sure you sign a consent form, so you are clear on your rights, and possible side effects.

And know you are not alone in your fear!

It is, however, very important that you don't put off having your teeth examined any longer. Don't let another day slip by before you call for an appointment. It will not be as bad as you anticipate, and you will help your teeth stay healthy for the long haul.

Dr. Charles Martin and Team

Sometimes even something as small as a canker sore needs to be looked at by a dental professional.

Canker sores are different than cold sores, but sometimes people confuse the two. Canker sores are not contagious as all, while cold sores are highly contagious. A canker sore shows itself as a small bump or red spot that might produce a slight burning sensation on the gums, insides of the cheeks, lips, under the tongue or on the roof of your mouth.

There is no cure for a canker sore, and usually they go away in seven to 10 days. However, you should have a dentist look at a canker sore if you experience one or more of the following:

• If the canker sore persists for more than two weeks

• If the canker sore is unusually large (more1 cm in diameter)

• If you have a high fever along with the canker sores

• If you have difficulty drinking

Learn more about canker sores and other minor dental problems.

Dr. Charles Martin and Team