What does biocompatible dentistry mean?

Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dentistry that focuses on keeping toxic substances out of your mouth and, therefore, your body. And, with modern dentistry, there is no reason why any toxic substances should be used.

Many people come in wanting to have their old, grey or black fillings removed for aesthetic purposes. The new white composite fillings that blend with the teeth simply look better. That may be true but the better reason to replace black/grey/silver fillings is because the amalgam that is used contains Mercury, a highly toxic metal.

Mercury can leech out of these fillings in very small doses into your system. And, this sort of filling expands and contracts, endangering the stability of the tooth. In general, we can do better. The composite materials we use in white fillings are stronger, do not expand and contract and are fully biocompatible.

For biocompatible reasons, I would like you to be motivated to have your black/grey/silver fillings replaced. If you need the extra motivation, it looks much better but I would be more concerned with getting the Mercury out of your teeth.

If you have any questions about your fillings or biocompatible dentistry in general, please email us today.

At Hardin Dental in Mason, Ohio we care about your Diet and Dental Health

Summer is almost here and all of us are trying to get in shape. Let’s try to get our mouths in shape this summer too. Good health begins in our mouth.

I’m not talking about toning up, dieting or anything else that is so ambitious. What I suggest is that you observe your diet over these summer months.

Here is the project I propose. Take the next three summer months and keep a food/beverage journal. Simply make a log of what you eat and drink and when you consume it. This usually gives people a pretty good insight into areas they might be able to improve nutritionally.

In terms of your dental health, you may want to evaluate when you eat and drink certain items. It is commonly known that sugar causes tooth decay. So, you should know that a good habit is to brush within 20 minutes of eating a big sugary snack and always before bedtime. Your mouth dries out during rest and this is the time acid erodes your teeth. Acids caused by sugar breaking down attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes. Keeping a food journal will help you track your diet and show you when you are most susceptible to tooth decay.

Also, watch for soda intake. Soda causes a lot more harm to teeth if you sip it several times throughout the day. It is the number of times that you drink from it that increases your risk for tooth decay. So if you want to drink a soda choose diet or drink it within minutes rather than sipping it throughout the day. Better yet, drink water. Water helps wash foods from the mouth, thus diluting the effect of sugars on the teeth. This will help hydrate you and keep you feeling full and away from sugary snacks. Staying away from soda will be one of the best ways to lose some extra pounds for the summer. You will learn more about yourself if you try this summer journal. No need to be perfect. Just give it a try and I would be happy to review it at your next hygiene visit. Let’s give it a try for the summer.

Hardin Dental participates in second dental makeover

As many people in Cincinnati, Ohio know, Hardin Dental was the participating dental team in the first Head-to-toe Extreme makeover. It was such an exciting event that we had individuals from all over the country apply. We are so excited to announce our second makeover. This will solely be a dental makeover. Patients will register through our website: http://www.hardindental.com/. Registering for the extreme dental makeover will be available in the next couple weeks. New details regarding the makeover will be in the next issue of Dear Doctor magazine. Please make sure you get a copy so you can learn more.

We are so very excited to get started on our second makeover. Patients will be selected by the dental magazine Dear Doctor. Once the selection has been made, the lucky individual will have their smile made over by either Dr. Tara Hardin or Dr. Gary Hardin. We look forward to creating another beautiful smile in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Hardin Dental in Cincinnati takes a look at the Dangers of Lead in Dental Restorations

The recent concern about lead on imported toys and products from China is a warning for all of us. We must be aware of these toys being placed into our childrens’ hands and mouths. We are very concerned about lead in toys, but how about lead being used in our dental restorations. Yes, that is happening in our own backyard.

About one month ago, Columbus’ Ohio’s News Channel Ten did a report on a patient that had become ill from having a new bridge placed in his mouth. An article was published in the Columbus Dispatch in February substantiating the claims http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/health/stories/2008/02/28/DentalLead.ART_ART_02-28-08_A1_GJ9FVGD.html?sid=101. The story on news ten followed an elderly woman that had become sick after some dental work was completed. The only thing her doctor could relate to her recent illness was a bridge placed in her mouth. The doctor instructed the dentist to remove the bridge after it was discovered to have been manufactured in China. The bridge was removed and the metal inside the bridge was tested. It was found to have toxic levels of lead. http://www.10tv.com/live/contentbe/EPIC_shim.php?story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200802/1544047925.html. Unfortunately, this could be happening to many unknowing patients as they seek out cheaper dental care. Sometimes dentists have to save money to be part of a preferred provider network. There would be no other reason to send your crowns to China than for savings.

Many patients look for the cheapest crown or someone that must be “in network” for their dental treatment. Obviously, this can be detrimental to your health if your dentist is trying to cut corners. The most important thing is to search for a dentist you know is using the best materials. My advice is to ask lots of questions. Meeting the dentist and touring the office will give you a good indication about whether or not he or she is providing the latest technology and materials. At Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, we ensure our patients have the best materials and latest dental technology available in dentistry today.

Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, Ohio evaluates the mouth to body link

The eyes are the window to the soul and the mouth is the window to the body. Our mouth is one of the most important parts of our body. We use our mouths for speaking and eating. It dictates our overall health. Many people have problems with their teeth and don't link it to a nagging illness. We now know there there are links between your mouth and Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Disease, and low birth weight babies. Many OB doctors are encouraging their patients to seek dental treatment before considering pregnancy.


At Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, Ohio we evaluate total dental health at each visit. Our dental hygienists are highly skilled in evaluating gum health. They closely work with Dr. Gary Hardin and myself(Dr. Tara Hardin) to assess health risks related to their gum health and tooth infection. If we are concerned about underlying medical conditions, we immediately contact their primary care physician. We also do blood pressure screenings at all visits to Hardin Dental. Many patients are on blood pressure pills and they are not as closely monitored as they should be. At Hardin Dental in Cincinnati Ohio we want patients to be aware of their pressures and let their physicians know what their readings are. Many times a change in medication or simply changing the time a medication is administered can help lower their blood pressure. Sometimes people forget the importance of taking their medication until we monitor the spike in their pressures. "We pride ourselves in caring about the person and not just their teeth," states Dr. Gary Hardin.




Recently, a link between our saliva and breast cancer has been discoveredhttp://www.dbtechno.com/health/2008/01/13/saliva-test-that-detects-breast-cancer-in-works/. This could lead to early detection of this disease. You can be assured that Hardin Dental in Cincinnati, Ohio will stay on the cutting edge to provide our patients total body health.

Have you thought about cosmetic dentistry?

Never underestimate the advantage a cosmetically enhanced smile can give you. Even something as easy and quick as whitening your teeth can improve your overall appearance. Every once in a while, I ask people to think about the advantages.

The choice of porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental treatments is sometimes tied to an event: a wedding, an important business function, a holiday, a graduation or some family event. But, if you think about it, there are so many ways an improved smile can impact your life on an every day basis.

There is no doubt that a better smile is an advantage in business. This can impact promotions, sales and career paths. In a society that has learned that teeth can be improved, when you see a misshapen smile or misaligned teeth, you often can’t help but wonder why the person has done nothing to fix their smile.

If you know someone who might benefit from cosmetic dentistry, this is why you should think about referring them to me for a cosmetic consultation. A better smile can mean a better presentation at work. Makeovers of all kinds lead to promotions all the time. It can improve a person’s social prospects. It can also give a new sense of inner confidence that can manifest itself in many ways.

If you know someone who might be interested in cosmetic dentistry to gain an advantage somewhere in their life, refer them to me. It could be the best advice they get all year.