By Amy Crelly

More lasting than a good hair day and as confidence-boosting as having great skin, a healthy smile is a beautiful thing. This February, as the American Dental Association promotes Children’s Dental Health, we want to remind moms to care for their own pearlies too! Check out "Moms' Dental Health Questions Answered," and read on for more expert advice on the latest in smile care.

Q: I'm choosing a new dentist and heard some buzz about digital x-rays... What are the pros and cons?

Investing in a digital x-ray system can come with a hefty price tag for dentists, but from a patient's point of view? "As I see it, digital x-rays have all pros and no cons from the patient's point of view," says Dr. Jeffrey Saladin at Children’s Choice Pediatric Dental Care in Sacramento. Looking at factors like safety, accuracy and speed, it's no wonder the medical records world is trending toward digital.

Safer: Digital x-rays reduce patient's exposure to radiation by up to 90%. That's because "the x-ray sensor (or phospher plate) requires less radiation to produce an image of diagnostic quality," Dr. Saladin explains. That's especially nice for parents to know, since growing kids require more frequent x-ray exams at the same time their bodies are more vulnerable to radiation. (The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-ray exams every six months for kids with a high risk of tooth decay, less frequently for children at low risk.)

Quicker: Digital x-rays are also faster, since they allow dentists to bypass the film developing process. (Think about the instant gratification you get from viewing digital photos, versus old-school 35mm snapshots.) Digital records also allow for faster sharing within the office and with specialists and other offices.

More Accurate: "This method results in a higher-quality picture for analyzing and diagnosing appropriate treatment," says Dr. Victoria Sullivan, DDS at Magic Smiles in El Dorado Hills. While operator error can sometimes produce fuzzy images, proper use and supervision of modern digital systems generally produce pictures of a patient's dental health that are "as good or better than traditional conventional x-ray films," says Dr. Saladin. He adds, "The imaging software allows a doctor to zoom in and out and contrast the image" in ways conventional x-rays just don't allow.

Less Comfortable? Some patients may find digital systems less comfortable because they can be bulky and inflexible, but even this "con" has a remedy, according to Dr. Saladin. "We can remedy this concern by using phosphor plate films which can produce digital results with the size and flexibility of conventional systems."

Q: A mom friend of mine recently mentioned that she's searching for a "green dentist." What is green dentistry, and is it better for patients' health?

Green dentistry isn't exactly a huge movement. Still, a small but growing number of dental offices are making efforts to reduce their eco-impact, without compromising patient care, comfort or safety. That's a pretty tall order considering all those disposable elements (think paper cups and bibs), not to mention all that water and energy use, that are standard in modern dentistry. (Of course, the last thing you want to see at your dentist's office is recycled floss... And sterile tools rule! No matter how much water that takes.)

Some dental offices use reclaimed and sustainable building materials and furnishings, no-VOC paints and finishes, energy-efficient lighting, recycled paper and office supplies, nontoxic/biodegradable cleaning products and fixtures that help with water conservation. Green dentists may also opt for reusable cloth bibs instead of throwaway paper ones, paper cups made from recycled content, and steam-based sterilization rather than a chemical-based system.

Extensive recycling programs are another feature of green dental practices, as are digital x-rays, which don't require hazardous developing chemicals and can be transferred electronically to insurance companies and specialists, thus sparing the air from transportation emissions while speeding up treatment times.

In terms of health benefits, digital x-rays drastically reduce radiation exposure. Otherwise, those twice-yearly check-ups in a less toxic office might be a little bit better for your health, but it's more about helping the planet's health.

The Eco Dentistry Association has a large network of members (including several in Greater Sacramento, in case your friend is still looking). But even those offices who aren't members may be doing their part to green their routines. Ask your dentist and hygienist what efforts they're making.

Patients can do their part in this green effort by remembering to turn off the tap while brushing and choosing products that are more eco-friendly (such as toothbrushes made from recycled materials and packaging that's biodegradable and made from recycled materials).