Wilson Martino Dental

Explore our blog for helpful hints, tips and 
information about your dental care.
​we may even throw in some fun stuff too!

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1/22/2014

84% of The Cavities That Kids Get Are In The Grooves Of Their Teeth.  

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At Wilson Martino Dental, Our Kids Have Dental Sealants and we think yours should too!    Sealants help protect back teeth from decay!

Dental Sealant FAQ...

What Are Sealants?
Sealants are a safe, painless, and low cost way to help protect back teeth from decay.  Sealants have been used on children’s teeth for more than 20 years and are being used more on adult teeth.  A thin, plastic, tooth-colored or clear coating 
(sealant) is bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars and pre-molars.  This forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Why Should Children Have Sealants?
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth have tiny grooves that form as each tooth develops.  This is where most decay occurs in children.  That’s because the bristles of a toothbrush can’t get down into the grooves to remove the food and bacteria that get trapped there.

Why do a sealant on a baby tooth?
Because baby teeth get cavities and the teeth that need sealed don’t come out until your child is between the age of 13 and 16.  We feel if you can prevent your child from getting a  cavity, even if that tooth is not permanent (but can be in for as long as 12 years), it’s worth it!

Should adults get sealants?
Yes!  Over 70% of adult cavities happen in the grooves of their teeth.  Sealants help keep the decay from getting into those grooves.

How long will your sealants last?
Sealants can last for 4 to 6 years.  If they chip or come off, they can easily be replaced.  Any problems can be detected and corrected at your child’s regular dental checkups.  As long as the sealants are in place, decay is less likely to develop in the grooves.  you can help the sealants last by encouraging your child not to chew on ice cubes or hard or sticky candy.

What happens if a sealant comes off?
Sealants are checked and if needed touched up at each appointment.  If a sealant comes off, the tooth will be protected by the remanents until your next appointment.  We will replace sealants on baby teeth for free and the sealants on permanent teeth for up to three years.

Will my insurance pay for sealants on baby teeth?
Some do, but most don’t.  Like car insurances, how good dental insurance is depends on what plan your employer purchased.  But, you have to remember that while preventing cavities in your child’s mouth is not very important to insurance companies - it is important to us!

But, what about the cost?
Sealants are 1/3 the cost of a filling and there are no drills or numbing!   Placing sealants on your child's teeth to help protect them from cavities is so important to us that we will help you make arrangements for anything your insurance doesn't pay!  In-house payment plans with zero-interest are available, plus we can help you find a payment plan that suits your family budget!

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1/17/2014

3 Toothbrush Tips for Cold and Flu Season

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Feeling Down?  When you're sick, all you want to do is curl up on the couch or in bed.....we know that brushing your teeth is the last thing you want to do, but here's why you need to head to the sink anyway:

#1 - Brushing up when sick helps keep the BAD STUFF off of your teeth!
  • Chances are, if you have a cough, you are sucking on cough drops.   Most times, these little doses of relief are filled with sugar.   Try a sugar-free product instead.
  • Cough Syrup and other cold medications are also filled with sugar.  Known for "coating your throat", they also coat your teeth, tongue and anything else they come in contact with.   After you take a dose, be sure to rinse your mouth with water before heading back to bed.
  • Acid is bad for your teeth, and while this isn't the best topic to chat about, if you are vomiting - acid is covering your teeth.  This acid wears on the enamel, weakening it and causing potential oral health issues.   If you stomach is on the "symptoms list", be sure to rinse your mouth after each episode.
#2 - Stay Hydrated
  • Not only is this good for your body, but it's good for your oral health too.   If you are stopped up or dehydrated, saliva production decreases and you can end up with dry mouth.   Saliva is responsible for washing debris and bacteria off of your teeth between brushing, and the lack of it will leave your mouth wide open for possible problems.
#3 - Quarantine that Brush!
  • If you have a family toothbrush holder, drawer or other storage spot - keep yours far, far away!   Make sure to put a travel cap on your brush to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Clean your brush after each use.    Rinse your brush in OraCare or another germ-killing mouthwash to kill any viruses or germs.   Read the label first, to learn how long you should swish your toothbrush for best results!
  • Once you start to feel better or have been given the "all-clear" from your health provider, toss your toothbrush!  Often germs and viruses can live deep in the bristles, exposing you and your loved ones to another round of illness.

One last tip....be sure to sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue to help prevent the spread of germs, and wash your hands frequently with 
anti-bacterial soap!


If you are affected by the recent round of viruses and this year's flu season, we hope you feel better soon!

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1/15/2014

Antacids May Help Your Stomach, But They Can Hurt Your Teeth!

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Picture
Soda, Candy, Sugar, Fruits, Alcohol, Pasta Dishes....whatever your favorite food it, sometimes it just doesn't love you back!  Often, our favorite foods can cause an overabundant amount of acid, creating heartburn symptoms that must be dealt with.  Unfortunately, the antacids that we often turn to can actually do damage to your smile.

Antacids Could Cause Tooth Decay and Gum Disease....

Often, antacids are flavored to make them easier to take.  However, they are also full of sugar, which can get stuck in the grooves of your teeth.   When the sugar lies on your teeth for long periods of time, your risk for decay is increased.

There is also a risk of dry mouth when one uses antacids.   Saliva aids us in washing away food and particles from our teeth and to help neutralize the acid produced by plaque.   When you produce less saliva, you take away this important role.  This could lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Antacids Could Mean Weaker Teeth....

We all know that our stomach needs acid in order to digest our food.   If you are someone who needs to take antacids often, or in high doses; your body can try to overcompensate by producing even more acid than normal.   It's a vicious cycle - produce more acid, take more antacids, etc...   What many people don't know is that when antacids try to block acid from being produced, they also limit the absorption of calcium and protein from your foods.   Both of these elements are important for the strength of your teeth and jaw.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Spell Relief with These Tips:
  • Purchase Sugar-Free Antacids
  • Use Antacids in Moderation
  • See Your Physician For Frequent Acid Indigestion Issues
  • Prevent Dry Mouth With Sugarless Gum and Candy
  • Avoid Foods That Trigger Acid Indigestion and Reflux
  • Rinse Your Mouth With Water after Using Antacids

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Drs. Wilson, Martino, Wilfong, Linger, Fowler, D. Martino, Poole, Secret, Syed,  Kassar, and Cicchino.             

Orthodontic Specialties Provided By Dr. Andrew Thompson, Complex Procedures by Dr. Xena Alakailly
  This Website is for informational purposes only, and information found within is not meant to replace medical advice from your healthcare or dental care provider.   Any dental or health emergencies should be addressed in person by your medical provider or the emergency room.    Site owned by Wilson Martino Dental
  • Home
  • About Us!
    • Office Locations >
      • Bridgeport Office
      • Buckhannon Office
      • Elkins Office
      • Fairmont Office
      • Morgantown Office
      • The Smile Defenders of Clarksburg
    • Meet Our Dentists
    • Our Story
    • Photo Gallery
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Upcoming Events
    • We're In The News!
    • Community Involvement
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Contact
  • Services
    • Buy OraCare Online!
    • iSmile Specialists, Orthodontics and Wisdom Teeth
    • Kids Stuff
    • Crown
    • Dental Exams and Cleanings
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Make-Overs
    • Dental Sealants
    • Dental X-Rays
    • Dentures, Partials and Bridges
    • Extractions
    • Fillings
    • Fluoride Treatments
    • Invisalign
    • Micro Air Abrasion
    • Oral Cancer Screening
    • Pain-Free Injections
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Professional Teeth Whitening
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Sleep Apnea Services
    • Sports Mouthguards
    • Tobacco Counseling
    • Traditional Orthodontics
    • Veneers
    • Wisdom Teeth Removal
    • Home Care for Your Smile!
  • Forms & Financing
    • Patient Forms & Reminders
    • Insurance & Financial Information
    • Dental Health Plan
  • Request an Appointment
  • Extreme Makeover 2023