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Blog Posts from the Practice of Dr. Ashley Mann
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Sports and Energy Drinks can Create Irreversible damage to Teeth

May 21st, 2012

According to a recent study (May 2012 General Dentistry) many people, a significant number of them adolescents, are drinking greater quantities of sports and energy drinks. This increased consumption is causing irreversible damage to their teeth caused by the acidic levels in the drinks that erode tooth enamel–the outside layer on teeth.

These adolescents hope to attain improved performance and higher energy levels. They also may believe that these products are healthier then sodas. The researchers tested 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks by dunking human tooth enamel into the beverage for 15 minutes then into artificial saliva for two hours. They performed this process four times a day for five days.

Damage to the enamel was evident after only five days with all products. Energy drinks caused twice as much damage as sports drinks.

As many as 62 percent of adolescents consume one sports drink per day. The percentage of adolescents who imbibe in energy drinks is 30-50%. The damage cannot be reversed and those who indulge themselves may have tooth over-sensitivity and an increased likelihood of cavities and decay.

Teens and parents are encouraged to limit their intake of sports and energy drinks and rinse their mouths afterwards or chew sugarless gum. In addition the study recommends waiting an hour after consumption to brush teeth since this will spread the exposure to enamel.

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Posted in Dental Hygiene |

Sports and Energy Drinks can Create Irreversible damage to Teeth

May 21st, 2012

According to a recent study (May 2012 General Dentistry) many people, a significant number of them adolescents, are drinking greater quantities of sports and energy drinks. This increased consumption is causing irreversible damage to their teeth caused by the acidic levels in the drinks that erode tooth enamel–the outside layer on teeth.

These adolescents hope to attain improved performance and higher energy levels. They also may believe that these products are healthier then sodas. The researchers tested 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks by dunking human tooth enamel into the beverage for 15 minutes then into artificial saliva for two hours. They performed this process four times a day for five days.

Damage to the enamel was evident after only five days with all products. Energy drinks caused twice as much damage as sports drinks.

As many as 62 percent of adolescents consume one sports drink per day. The percentage of adolescents who imbibe in energy drinks is 30-50%. The damage cannot be reversed and those who indulge themselves may have tooth over-sensitivity and an increased likelihood of cavities and decay.

Teens and parents are encouraged to limit their intake of sports and energy drinks and rinse their mouths afterwards or chew sugarless gum. In addition the study recommends waiting an hour after consumption to brush teeth since this will spread the exposure to enamel.

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Posted in Dr. Ashley Mann's Practice |

Dr. Mann’s Take on Oral Cancer and Early Detection

April 27th, 2012

Dr. Mann and Dr. Dolfi recommend semi-annual oral cancer exams.

First I’d like to thank all that participated in our complimentary Oral Cancer Screening Event here at the office on Thursday, April 19. We all count it as a tremendous success for two important reasons: the light it shed on the serious nature of the disease and the simple steps we can all take to detect it early and ultimately cure it.

It’s a fact that one American dies every hour from oral cancer. But the good news is that oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is detected in its earliest stage. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to have a semi-annual oral exam from a professional dentist.

Despite the overall reduction in the total incidences of cancer and cancer-related deaths, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. The American Cancer Society reported a 5.5% increase in new cases of oral cancer and a 1.5% increase in deaths associated with oral cancer.

The good news is that oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is detected in its earliest stage. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to have a semi-annual oral exam from a professional dentist.

We utilize the latest technologies in addition to visual/manual screening methods. Through the use of a specially designed light, we can more accurately detect precancerous and cancerous abnormalities. When pre-malignancies or early-stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful. However, if oral cancer goes undetected and is not diagnosed until later stages, then disfiguring effects of the face and other invasive treatment is necessary.

You may be asking yourself what are the risk factors and what you can do to prevent contracting the disease. Well, alarmingly more than 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other lifestyle risk factors such as chronic alcohol use or HIV/HPV. Of course those who do use tobacco products or consume at least 2 ounces of alcohol three times per week are at the highest risk of getting this disease.

Like all forms of cancer, we can certainly list risk factors, but there are still the unexplained causes that exist. So remember, that’s why we stress the importance of this lifesaving screening.

If you or someone you know has been neglecting a visit to the dentist for whatever reason, take the time to give us a call and schedule a comprehensive exam. Nothing beats peace of mind…and it’ll be our pleasure to give that to you.

Utilizing a specially designed light, we can more accurately detect precancerous and cancerous abnormalities. - Dr. Ashley Mann

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Posted in C. Ashley Mann DDS Dental Practice, Community Events, Dr. Ashley Mann's Practice, Oral Cancer Screening |

Get to Know Pam Morkunas

April 9th, 2012

From Boone, NC, to Corning, NY, to Wake Forest, NC, Pam Morkunas managed to find our office in Cary in the summer of 2011, joining us as a part-time dental assistant. Now, we’re happy to say she’s become a full-time part of our team!

A Certified Dental Assistant for the past 18 years, Pam credits her discovery and love for dentistry to her college days in Corning, New York. In addition to her CDA accreditation, she has also served as a dental assisting instructor and holds a certification in dental radiology instruction.

So, what stands out to Pam about working with Dr. Mann and Dr. Dolfi? “My favorite part of the office is the patients and the team,” she said without missing a beat. “I am a people person and think that we just have the best patients anywhere!”

Pam Morkunas is one of the fantastic certified dental assistants here at Dr. Ashley Mann, DDS.

With a natural inclination for teaching, Pam takes tremendous pleasure in educating patients. “Dr. Mann ensures that we are all up to date on the newest technology and techniques, so it’s especially nice to share that insight with our patients,” she said. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure, Pam’s always willing to answer any questions you may have.

When you’re in the mood to chat about what makes Pam tick outside of work, ask her about her pets, or get her talking about the latest book she’s read or the most recent recipe she’s cooked up.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy getting to know Pam better during your next visit.

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Posted in Dr. Ashley Mann's Practice, Team Members |

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