Dr. Ravin and his staff recently visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti to provide free dental care to those in need. Over the course of seven days with a 110 degree heat index, he saw over 700 patients, most of which were children, and performed general and surgical services to promote healthy teeth. Many of these patients are unable to afford or do not have access to regular care. Check out some of the pictures from the trip below. The rest of the pictures are available on our Facebook page!

Tooth decay is a growing problem that affects thousands of children every year as a result of excessive sugar intake from common junk foods and drinks. Decay often builds up and leads to cavities, and is especially common in young children who tend to consume large amounts of soft drinks with highly acidic sugars.

While the sugars found in soda, candy and other unhealthy snacks damage the teeth and contribute to the increase in tooth decay, there are healthier alternatives that may actually provide oral benefits. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits, vegetables and within the liver, and does not break down and become acidic after consumption like other types of sugar. Instead of continuing to damage the tooth enamel, xylitol fights bacteria in the mouth to keep the teeth healthy.

Xylitol can be found in many different products that we use on a regular basis, including candy, all-purpose sweeteners, powdered drink mixes and more. Using products with natural sugars can safely and effectively prevent tooth decay and therefore reduce the risk of cavities.

With Xylitol products, parents can help their children protect their sensitive teeth without having to significantly change their diet habits or compromise taste. It is recommended to consume three to five servings of xylitol each day so that it can work against bacteria in the mouth to help prevent cavities from developing.

Dr. Ravin can discuss the benefits of xylitol with patients and recommend adequate consumption to achieve the maximum benefits of this natural sugar.

Due to their sensitive nature and prominent location, the teeth may be susceptible to damage caused by a fall, accident, sports injury, fight or other type of traumatic event. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, you may experience a chip, crack or fracture in the tooth, tissue injury or a tooth that is knocked out or misaligned for more severe injuries.

If you are experiencing bleeding, swelling, severe pain within the mouth area, or have any missing or loose teeth, there is a chance you are experiencing a dental emergency and should seek immediate care. Seeing a dental professional right away could be the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

In addition to tooth injuries, many people often experience cuts, scratches or tears in the gums, lips, cheek or tongue, which should be treated by your dentist as well in order to reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper healing. This tissue damage can affect the health of your teeth and overall mouth if not treated properly.

Emergency dental care often includes reattaching a tooth that was knocked out, placing a crown, bridge or implants, perform a root canal or other methods to stop bleeding, relieve pain and reduce the risk of long-term damage. It is important to keep any teeth that fall out, if possible, so that they can be reattached without the need for prosthetic replacements. Individual treatment will vary depending on each patient’s specific case, but dentists like Dr. Ravin are highly experienced in handling these sensitive injuries with highly effective results.

The best defense against dental emergencies is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be done by taking special precautions to protect the teeth, especially when participating in high-risk activities. Athletes who play contact sports such as football or hockey should always wear a mouth guard to protect the teeth. Certain activities, such as chewing on ice or eating hard foods can also lead to tooth injury and should be avoided. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis ensures that the teeth are strong and healthy enough to sustain mild injuries.