Colgate has a toothpaste that boasts a higher fluoride rating (1.1%) than any other. PreviDent 5000 Plus is available by prescription only and has a proven track record of preventing cavities in both children and adults.

In young children, the toothpaste was shown to reduce decay by over 40 percent more than other toothpastes. In adults who have problems with receding gums, root decay

was reduced by 90 percent. While this is good news for everyone, the toothpaste is especially helpful for patients who have crowns, bridges, or braces, or who suffer from dry mouth.

The paste comes with two restrictions. Female patients who are pregnant or nursing should not use it. Children who are under age six should avoid the paste, because they tend to swallow it. We'll be happy to discuss the benefits of this toothpaste with you.

One tooth may not seem like too big a deal -- until it's missing. A missing tooth is like an invitation to decay and shifting of the nearby teeth. To avoid these problems, lost teeth can be permanently replaced using titanium implants and natural-looking crowns.

When a tooth is replaced using this method, the titanium implant is placed into the gum, where it bonds with the bone in a process called osseointegration. The crown that's attached to this implant will be selected for fit, function, and to blend with your other teeth.

The goal of a permanent replacement is to provide a

tooth that you're comfortable with. It must function like a natural tooth -- remaining stable during eating and in conversations. It must also feel good to you and look like it belongs with your other teeth.