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Weymouth dentist

A smiling angel. The Toothboss selects Maria Burke of Celtic Angels as its Smiling Neighbor.

Celtic Angels Owner Maria Burke, left, receives the Smiling Neighbor award from Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD.
Celtic Angels Owner Maria Burke, left, receives the Smiling Neighbor award from Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD.

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

Compassionate home care for the elderly has been the signature of Celtic Angels, Inc. since Owner Maria Burke founded the company back in 2005. In the 10 years since, the company has broadened its reach, expanding their staff and providing excellent care to their patients on the South and North shore. For those efforts, Burke has been named the recipient of The Smiling Neighbor award given by South Weymouth Dentist Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD.

“You cannot find a more noble and compassionate vocation than caring for the elderly,” said Dr. Wolfert, AKA “The Toothboss”, whose practice is located at 1121 Main Street. “All it takes is spending just a few minutes with Maria and you realize Celtic Angels is more than a business but her life’s passion. For that, she is very deserving winner of our Smiling Neighbor award.”

Burke drew her inspiration for her business from her grandfather, who worked as an orderly at a hospital in her native Ireland.

Said Burke, “I remember him regularly playing the accordion and singing for the patients and them being mesmerized by his genuine presence. But the one thing that I always think about is how truly happy he was just to see a simple smile cross their faces. I would watch him in awe and think how lucky I was to have such a role model. If every caregiver out there had his mentality or even just half of it, the care in the elder community would improve.”

For being selected as the Smiling Neighbor, Maria had the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Stockholders or a Sonicare Easy Clean model (Burke chose the toothbrush).

Said Maria, “I’m very grateful to Dr. Wolfert for this recognition. Sharing a smile is a key part of elder care and making patients feel more comfortable and I’m grateful to have a new toothrush to make mine even brighter.

The Smiling Neighbor award is given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA  02190.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through LendingClub.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

A smiling angel. The Toothboss selects Maria Burke of Celtic Angels as its Smiling Neighbor.Read More

Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA The Toothboss, caps military career

Weymouth Dentist Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA The Toothboss, hands Scott Sallway his Smiling Neighbor Award. Dr. Wolfert was honored as the Smiling Neighbor for this quarter for his 30 years of military service. Dr. Wolfert retired at the end of February.
Weymouth Dentist Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA The Toothboss, hands Scott Sallway his Smiling Neighbor Award. Dr. Wolfert was honored as the Smiling Neighbor for this quarter for his 30 years of military service. Dr. Wolfert retired at the end of February.

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

As part of Dr. Richard Wolfert’s practice, he recognizes local residents doing good deeds in the community—the Smiling Neighbor Award. For this quarter’s Smiling Neighbor, The Toothboss, the name of Wolfert’s practice, was on the receiving end of this honor as his staff recognized his 30 years of military service in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. Dr. Wolfert retired from the National Guard at the end of February.

“I’m not quite sure this award is supposed to work this way,” said Wolfert. “But I do appreciate the gesture. And I suppose 30 years in the military does meet our criteria for the Smiling Neighbor.

Dr. Wolfert joined the U.S. Navy while enrolled at Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1978. It was during his tenure in the Navy that he earned the nickname that would become the name of his practice.

“I served on the U.S. Midway and the commander on the carrier called his department heads ‘boss’. For example, the guy who ran the flight deck was the ‘air boss’. As the dentist, I was the tooth boss,” said Wolfert. “By the time I left the Navy, joined the Guard and started my private practice, I’d grown used to the name and kept it for my business.”

Wolfert’s military career included a tour of duty in Iraq in 2004. Stationed a few miles from the front at a makeshift hospital, he compared the experience to being like the television show M*A*S*H, only in real life.

“There was that kind of camaraderie in our outfit, but I don’t think any of us ever forgot why we were there and how close we were to some really nasty stuff,” said Wolfert.

After his tour of Iraq, Wolfert chose to remain in the National Guard, where he has served as a mentor to young dentists and supervised care for the 7,000 soldiers in the Army National Guard Reserve in Massachusetts. At the end of February, Dr. Wolfert retired with the rank of Colonel.

“Many people have asked me over the years why did I join and why did I stay. The best explanation I have is that I come from a military family. My two older brothers served in Vietnam. I guess I felt it was my duty to serve. Once I got in, I found it agreed with me. It’s really as simple as that,” said Wolfert.

For being selected as the Smiling Neighbor, Dr. Wolfert opted to give his $50 gift card to Stockholders to a fellow veteran, battle buddy and Toothboss patient, Scott Sallaway. Scott served three tours of Iraq, including one with Wolfert in 2004.

“It may sound cliché, but the men and women who did not make it back from their tours of duty are the real heroes,” said Wolfert. “Me, I’m proud to have served in the company of such brave men and women.”

The Smiling Neighbor award is given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA  02190.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA The Toothboss, caps military careerRead More

The Toothboss honors Steve Joyce as Smiling Neighbor.

Steve Joyce and The Toothboss, Dr. Richard Wolfert DMD.
Steve Joyce and The Toothboss, Dr. Richard Wolfert DMD.

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

For 18 years, Weymouth Resident Steve Joyce coached wrestling at Quincy High School. During that time, he taught his athletes never to smile during course of a match. So, it’s rather ironic that partially based on the merits of coaching wrestling, Joyce has been named the recipient of The Smiling Neighbor award given by South Weymouth Dentist Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD.

“I’ve always had a great admiration for teachers and coaches. It’s a commitment that’s twofold. It involves a passion for an activity and the desire to share that with others. Steve’s work with student athletes is exemplary,” said Dr. Wolfert, whose dental practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth. “He is a most deserving winner of our Smiling Neighbor award.”

In addition to his efforts as a wrestling coach, Joyce also coached robotics at Quincy High School. He currently coaches robotics at Notre Dame Academy. Beyond his work with students, Joyce and his wife Wendy are active volunteers for the Old South Union Church in Weymouth since they began attending back in 1989.

Steve and Wendy have resided in Weymouth for 36 years. The couple has two grown children, Patrick and Erin, and one granddaughter, Riley.

For being selected as the Smiling Neighbor, Joyce had the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Stockholders or a Sonicare Easy Clean model (Steve chose Stockholders).

Said wife Wendy Joyce,“Whether it’s his wrestlers or robotic students or working with our church to rebuild homes for families going through some tough times, Steve just loves helping people. It’s nice of Dr. Wolfert to recognize Steve for his efforts.”

The Smiling Neighbor award is given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA  02190.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

The Toothboss honors Steve Joyce as Smiling Neighbor.Read More

10 decades of smiles. The Toothboss honors Ruth Anderson.

The Toothboss, the South Weymouth dental practice of Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, honors Weymouth resident Ruth Anderson with the Smiling Neighbor award.
The Toothboss, the South Weymouth dental practice of Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, honors Weymouth resident Ruth Anderson with the Smiling Neighbor award.

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

Over the course of her 92 years, Weymouth resident Ruth Anderson has been an active volunteer for a number of organizations. That started with her being a nurse’s aide for the Red Cross during World War II and recently concluded two years ago when a broken arm forced her to give up her driver’s license and stop delivering meals for the ‘elderly’. For her lifetime of service and bringing smiles to all the people she has helped, Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA “The Toothboss” has honored her with his Smiling Neighbor award.

“As a dentist, it’s our job to make patients smile. For Ruth, through her volunteerism, it’s been a lifelong pursuit,” said Dr. Wolfert, whose dental practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth. “She is a most deserving winner of our Smiling Neighbor award.”

In between her time with the Red Cross and delivering meals, Ruth volunteered at Pond Home, a home for the elderly in Wrentham, Mass. She volunteered at the home from the age of 16 until age 80 (she was a trustee during her final 12 years). She was a member of the Weymouth Circle of King’s Daughters and Sons, Christian service organizations whose objectives are the development of spiritual life, and delivered meals for Father Bill’s. Ruth worked as a librarian at the Fogg Library in Weymouth until her “retirement” in 1981.

For being selected as the Smiling Neighbor, Ruth had the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Stockholders or a Sonicare Easy Clean model (Ruth chose Stockholders).

Said her daughter Nancy Burke, “My mother is an amazing woman who never did any of these things for her own glory but to help others. It’s nice of Dr. Wolfert to recognize her for these efforts, but I’d like to add one of her more noteworthy accomplishment. She was the most amazing mother to me and my four brothers.”

The Smiling Neighbor award is given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA  02190.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

10 decades of smiles. The Toothboss honors Ruth Anderson.Read More

Toothboss honors first “smiling neighbor”

"South Weymouth Dentist, dental implant, south shore dentist, teeth whitening, Veneers, Weymouth dentist
Dr. Richard Wolfert “The Toothboss” presents the first Smiling Neighbor award winner, George Raymond, with a Sonicare tooth brush.

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

As a dentist for the last 20-plus years, Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA “The Toothboss” has focused his practice on improving his patient’s smiles. With his new Smiling Neighbor program, Dr. Wolfert is recognizing people in the community who, through their own generosity and acts of kindness, have made their fellow citizens smile. The first winner of the Smiling Neighbor award is George H. Raymond of Weymouth.

“There’s nothing that gives a dentist more pride and satisfaction than seeing one of their patient’s smile. It’s one of those gifts you wish other people could experience,” said Dr. Wolfert. “George knows exactly how I feel. Through his charitable and volunteer participation in community activities and organizations within the Town of Weymouth over the years, he’s brought smiles to many people’s faces. For that, he’s a worthy recipient of our first Smiling Neighbor award.”

As the winner of the Smiling Neighbor, Raymond had the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Stockholders or a Sonicare Easy Clean model (George chose the Sonicare).

“I’m quite honored by this recognition. It is good to know the Toothboss is watching,” said Raymond, owner of Herbert W. Raymond & Son, Realtors® in Weymouth.

The Smiling Neighbor award will be given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of Weymouth going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to toothboss1@aol.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to The Toothboss, 1121 Main Street, South Weymouth, MA  02190.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Toothboss honors first “smiling neighbor”Read More

Have a heart, keep brushing your teeth!

Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA “The Toothboss”

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

“Brush your teeth!” It’s the mantra parents have imparted on their children since the beginning of time. Based on recent evidence linking excellent gum tissue health to a reduction in atherosclerosis—a major contributor to coronary disease–a new trend may be children reminding their parents to brush better and more frequently.

Artherosclerosis is the thickening of arteries through the accretion of calcium, cholesterol and other substances found in the bloodstream. This condition has been linked to fatal cardiovascular complications like coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. According to the findings from researchers from the Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, flossing, brushing and regular trips to the dentist can slow the rate of atherosclerosis.

“When people are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, the first things they talk about are eating right and exercise. This report makes a strong case that improving your oral hygiene should be part of the healthier living package,” said Dr. Richard Wolfert, a South Weymouth, Mass.-based dentist also known as “The Toothboss”.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing about 600,000 people each year. That accounts for one-fourth of all recorded fatalities. On average, deaths and illnesses associated with coronary heart disease cost the U.S $109 billion annually.

“Part of what makes the results of this study so important is that it shows people a way to improve their heart health that’s really affordable,” said Wolfert. “We’re not talking about a special diet or medication that maybe a significant investment. For merely the cost of brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist at his recommended interval (which can vary depending on each patient needs) can protect you from the devastating results of heart disease.”

Adds Wolfert, “If a patient has adequate home care the costs to see a dentist regularly, even without dental insurance, amounts to a few hundred dollars a year. If a patient has a good insurance plan, many preventive procedures are covered at almost 100 percent with a very small amount of copayment.”

For complete results of the survey, you can see the entire report on the American Heart Association’s website at http://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/2/6/e000254.abstract

Dr. Wolfert’s practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Have a heart, keep brushing your teeth!Read More

Weymouth dentist announces December as oral cancer screening month

Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD – The Toothboss

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 42,000 people in the United States will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2013. To raise awareness among his current patients and new patients, Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA “The Toothboss”, has declared December “Oral Cancer Awareness Month” for his South Weymouth practice.

“I know the national Oral Cancer Foundation has an awareness month that takes place in April but heading into the holidays where people partake in many of the habits that can lead to oral cancers—smoking and drinking—I thought it important to create some additional awareness,” said Wolfert.

As part of Oral Cancer Awareness month, Wolfert and his team of hygienists will be speaking to patients about the behaviors that can lead to oral cancers, which includes, tongue, tonsillar, and throat cancer. Oral cancers can be genetic, but primarily people who smoke or use other tobacco products, drink alcohol or are exposed to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), are at increased risk for developing the disease.

In addition, Wolfert, as he has done for the past 25 years, will continue to provide an oral cancer screening exams as part of each comprehensive exam that includes examination of the inside part of the cheeks, roof of the mouth the back side and underneath the tongue. As part of their exam, Wolfert’s hygienists, as a result of current research finding  will palpate the lymph nodes located in your neck and underneath your jaw to make sure the usually soft nodes are not hard which can be sign of a problem.

“As it is with any cancer, the earlier you detect it the faster you can treat it. And as the numbers indicate, oral cancers are treatable if detected soon enough and that’s why we are taking these extra steps to make our patients aware of this risk and be proactive by checking our patients annually,” said Wolfert.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation website, “When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 % survival rate. Unfortunately, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 43% at five years from diagnosis, and high treatment related morbidity in survivors.”

For more information, you can visit the Oral Cancer Foundation’s website at http://oralcancerfoundation.org/.

Dr. Wolfert’s practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Weymouth dentist announces December as oral cancer screening monthRead More

Weymouth dentist adds blood pressure screening to comprehensive exam services

The Toothboss

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

For more than a few people, a trip to the dentist can raise their blood pressure. If that fear/anxiety raises your blood pressure to pre-hypertension levels—120-139 Systolic and greater than 80 Diastolic—then it might be risky treating that patient. That’s why Dr. Richard Wolfert, a South Weymouth dentist who goes by the moniker of The Toothboss, has added blood pressure screening as part of the comprehensive annual exam for patients.

“There are many reasons for doing a BP screening as part of a dental exam. Besides normal anxiety, some of the procedures we do utilize pharmacologies that can impact blood pressure. So having an accurate read prior to the start of treatment is extremely important, particularly if the patient has high blood pressure or is on medication for it,” said Wolfert. “The other part is that many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure, largely because they don’t get an annual check-up with their physician. A visit to the dentist should not replace that, but checking BP as part of the exam can alert patients to a potential problem.”

Hypertension or high blood pressure affects more than one in three adults in the United States. It’s also estimated that another 30 percent of the population has pre-hypertension. That’s blood pressure higher than what’s considered acceptable for an adult, 120 systolic/80 diastolic.

“Prior to 2007, 135/85 had been considered an acceptable pressure. That now is considered pre-hypertension. So there’s a real need to stay on top of your blood pressure,” said Wolfert.

That’s a subject Dr. Wolfert does not take lightly. As a dental student, his professor assigned the students in class to practice taking blood pressure readings on friends and family. Wolfert practiced on his father. The first reading shocked him. So, he took another and another. Each came back with the same conclusion.

“My father had high blood pressure. My practicing on him probably saved his life because I’m not sure he would have gone to the doctor on his own,” said Wolfert. “And that’s why we are taking this extra step by eventually doing blood pressure screenings on everybody who visits me or one of our hygienists.”

Dr. Wolfert’s practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Weymouth dentist adds blood pressure screening to comprehensive exam servicesRead More

Sugar-free doesn’t exactly mean cavity-free

Dr. Richard Wolfert, AKA “The Toothboss”

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

For those who drink diet soda and other diet drinks, one of your primary arguments for doing so is reducing your sugar intake. While there’s been some documentation that some of the chemicals in diet sodas can play a role in weight gain, there’s mounting evidence that diet drinks with artificial sweeteners can play a role in tooth decay.

“The common perception is that if there’s no sugar in a drink then it’s better for your teeth. In theory, that’s true. A regular soda with sugar is worse for your teeth than a diet soda, but that doesn’t tell the entire story,” said Dr. Richard E. Wolfert, DMD, a South Weymouth dentist known as The Toothboss with a practice located at 1121 Main Street. “The bacteria will not use artificial sweetener to form acid the way they do with regular sugars. But that doesn’t mean a diet soda can’t harm your teeth. The diet drinks are acidic on their own without the aid of the bacteria to help form the acid. Both can demineralize a tooth, causing erosion and cavities. So, although a soda with sugar may be slightly worse at causing cavities and erosion, diet drinks are not without consequences.”

So what should diet-conscious consumers drink if sugar and sugar sweeteners are both bad? Wolfert recommends good old fashioned water from the tap doesn’t cause any erosion of your teeth over any amount of exposure. It also has no calories. And, depending on your community, even offers fluoride.

Adds Wolfert. “Of course, it’s probably not realistic to think that people can drink only water and never have a soft drink. Moderation, as it is with everything, is the key. And if you want to have a diet soda, be sure to brush or at least rinse your mouth out with water shortly after to lessen the exposure to those acids found in diet drinks.”

Beyond drinking water and careful brushing, Wolfert also recommends selecting drinks that utilize sweeteners made from natural ingredients, like Stevia.

“I’m also encouraged about products that utilize sugar alcohols that can actually protect against dental cavities, like Xylitol,” said Wolfert. “Xylitol is a natural sweetener sourced from strawberries and other fruits. It’s not in drinks yet, but you can find Xylitol in chewing gums, syrups, candies and tooth pastes. Bacteria in your mouth are not able to breakdown Xylitol when you chew gum or eat candy containing the ingredients. Therefore, no bacterial acids are produced.  In the absence of bacterial acids, the process of cavity formation is nullified before it even begins. This makes Xylitol that rare thing – a sweetener that’s actually good for your teeth.”

Dr. Wolfert’s practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Sugar-free doesn’t exactly mean cavity-freeRead More