Gummy Tummy , from Seattle Dental Associates

At Seattle Dental Associates we know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

--Seattle Dental Associates

The Importance of Regular Checkups at Seattle Dental Associates

Do you brush your teeth two to three times a day? If you do that’s great! Don’t forget that it’s also important to visit us at Seattle Dental Associates every six months! Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Barnes can:

• Check for problems you might not see or feel
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam, Dr. Barnes will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Your checkup will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not seen us in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment at Seattle Dental Associates, by calling (206)734-3281.

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles

We at Seattle Dental Associates want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Seattle Dental Associates regularly.

Patient Testimonials - Seattle Dental Associates

Dr. Barnes has been providing quality dental care in the Seattle area for over thirty years. We asked the patients about what they liked best at the Seattle Dental Associates, take a look at what they had to say!






I like the friendly atmosphere. I also like when Dr. Barnes provides me with a lot of information either about a procedure or about a problem area I might have. ~ Christine J.

Best? I'm just totally well looked after by everyone from the time I walk in the door until I pay and leave. ~ Joan M.

Aside from Dr. Barnes' obvious ability, I like that the staff is unchanging. With consistency I feel I'm getting the best possible treatment with people who know my history: It's nice to know Sandy, one of the dental hygienist staff. will catch me when I don't floss! ~ Leslie M.

Dr. Barnes made me very comfortable. Considering that I was extremely anxious about being "in the chair" - that's saying a lot. He also works very quickly and isn't overly chatty, which I appreciate. He's a nice man, and his office staff is incredibly friendly ~ Elizabeth S.

Years and years of great service and great work! ~ Wayne D.

Pain free visits, and so fast! I honestly can't stop telling people about how great Seattle Dental Associates is. ~ Jessica O.