Who is the President’s Dentist?

It’s a mystery. According to one web site, an Army Dental Corp Chief stated that there is a highly secure clinic at the National Military Medical Center, where Presidents go for dental care, and are seen by a Navy dentist. Another web site reports that the National Naval Military Center in Bethesda, MD has an entire floor of a wing dedicated to the President’s health care, including dental. Just as mysterious as President Obama’s Dentist, is the maze of dental insurance. Only 50% of Americans have dental insurance, but 100% of Americans need dental care. Unfortunately, not everyone knows there are a variety of ways to pay for a dentist and dental care. There are more choices than just traditional dental insurance and those choices can save you money on your dental care. If you are exploring alternative ways to pay for your dental care, here are some things to investigate: Dentist Choice: Just like health insurance, some dental insurance plans will restrict you to only certain dentists while others will give you your choice. Choice of Treatment: Some dental insurance plans will restrict payment to the cheapest treatment for a condition, although there may be other treatment choices available. What is Covered: A good dental insurance plan should cover two cleanings a year with no fee or office visit. X-rays and fluoride treatments are also usually covered at no additional cost. Appointment Scheduling: Some dentists limit scheduling times for certain dental insurance participants. (Wiemeyer Dentistry does not.) Price: Dental plans are usually worth the premium cost. An employer sponsored dental insurance plan is usually the best deal and typically will cost a family much less than if they paid for the dental procedures without dental insurance. If you have any other questions about Dental Insurance - or celebrity Dentists - ask your Dentist at Wiemeyer Dentistry.

Teeth Stains, The Unusual Suspects

Everybody knows coffee and smoking will stain your teeth, but there are some less obvious culprits that can do just as much damage. Here's a list of unusual suspects.
Tea
People think of tea as healthy, but it definitely doesn't keep your teeth white -- especially not black tea. Even herbal and white teas may erode tooth enamel priming your teeth for stains.
Sauces
Dark sauces like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce may potentially stain your teeth.
Sports Drinks
Acidic drinks -- like sports or energy drinks -- lead to tooth discoloration by eroding tooth enamel, allowing other foods and drinks to stain your teeth.
Wine
If you're concerned about a drink staining your shirt or table cloth, it can probably stain your teeth. Red wine is well known to cause tooth discoloration. White wine doesn't stain, but its acids prime your teeth for staining.
Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and other richly colored fruits stain teeth due to their deep pigments.
Soda
Soda and other carbonated drinks are infamous for tooth discoloration. Many contain additives and acids that actually approach levels found in batteries!
Sweets
Blue lollipops don't just make your tongue blue. Hard candies stay in your mouth for prolonged periods, amplifying their staining affect. Sugarless mints and gum are always a better choice.
Beat the Stains!
Many tooth-staining foods and drinks like berries, sauces and red wine are rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial to your health. Like everything, these are best consumed in moderation. Swallow drinks swiftly, or use a straw when possible. Be sure to be vigilant about flossing and brushing and keep up-to-date with your visits to Wiemeyer Dentistry.
KÖR Whitening
If you've indulged in these treats a bit too much over the Winter, Wiemeyer is running a super sale on KÖR Whitening all February. Just visit our site or give us a call to schedule an appointment.

The Magic of Fluoride On January 25, 1945 Grand Rapids, Michigan became the world’s first city to adjust the level of fluoride in its water supply. Since that time, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. Today, approximately 72% of the U.S. population served by public water systems receive the benefit of optimally fluoridated water. Fluoridation of community water supplies is simply the adjustment of the existing, naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water to an optimal fluoride level recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service (0.7 - 1.2 parts per million) for the prevention of tooth decay. Wiemeyer Dentistry Founder, Dr. Peter Wiemeyer has worked as a dentist in Duxbury for over 40 years.  He can attest that water fluoridation has definitely reduced the incidence of cavities among children. In the 1970’s, it was normal for a child to need a few fillings each time he or she came in. Today, we have a large population of patients that have never had a cavity. Too much ingested fluoride can be a bad thing. Overexposure to fluoride can cause a condition called dental fluorosis. The highest risk of fluoride overexposure occurs between the ages of one to four years old, and the child is no longer at risk after 8 years of age. In its mild forms (which are its most common), fluorosis often appears as unnoticeable, tiny white streaks or specks in the enamel of the tooth. In its most severe form, tooth appearance is marred by discoloration or brown markings. What we have found is that the vast majority of fluorosis cases are in children who live in non-fluoridated communities and take fluoride supplements. Therefore, we do not recommend fluoride tablets to our patients in fluoridated communities. We feel that water fluoridation is the best way to receive the optimal concentration of fluoride for reduction of cavities. We’d love to answer any questions that you may have regarding fluoride, so please ask when you come in for your next visit.