Dentist Livermore - Simple Things to Prevent Gum Disease - Smiles by Design Livermore

"The simple things you can do to completely prevent gum disease"

It's easier than you think!

While the consequences of gum disease are severe: bleeding gums, extremely bad breath, lost teeth, increased risk of premature births, heart attacks, and strokes, gum disease can be easily prevented.
Flossing and brushing correctly, however, are the cornerstones of gum disease prevention. Yet, almost everyone fails miserable at these tasks, making themselves susceptible to gum disease.

Brushing Your Teeth:
This may sound easy but most people do a horrible job brushing their teeth. It takes a full 2 minutes to brush all of your tooth surfaces, however, most people spend 30 seconds or less when brushing!

As a result, they miss the same spots in their mouth day after day. Here, bacteria build-up to dangerous levels, creating a great risk for gum disease. The next time you brush, take along a timer to make sure you brush for 2 minutes. You will be surprised at how long it seems. Make a conscious effort to brush ever single tooth.

Unfortunately, manual toothbrushes cannot reach bacteria in one of their favorite hiding places - right below the gumline. Electric toothbrushes (plaque removers) like the Braun OralB 3D electric toothbrush remove bacteria below the gumline where manual toothbrushes can not reach.

As a result, they represent a great advance in gum disease protection. Although these electric toothbrushes cost more, the extra protection and peace of mind are well worth the price.

source: www.saveyoursmile.com

 

Tracy Dentist - You Can Prevent Cavities - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Cavities: Many of us remember sweating through the poking and prodding of the dentist. We prayed that he or she would not find cavities which would require the use of the dreaded dental drill. Armed with the right knowledge and proper home dental care you can now rest at ease and fear cavities no more.

What Causes Cavities ?

When it comes to cavities, bacteria are public enemy number #1. Our mouths, teeth and toothbrushes are full of bacteria which settle on our teeth in plaque, a goo of proteins, saliva, and food debris. Violight can remove the bacteria from our toothbrushes but our teeth are a problem. Here bacteria devour food particles left on our teeth. Ungrateful guests, these bacteria produce acid as a by-product of their feasting. It is this acid which eats into the tooth enamel creating cavities.

The teeth have a moderate ability to repair tooth enamel by remineralizing the affected enamel with minerals from saliva. Unfortunately, the rate of destruction by acid exceeds this rate of repair.

Normally, acids eating into tooth enamel is not painful. Left untreated, however, acid eats a hole through the enamel into the underlying dentin and pulp layers of the tooth. This does cause pain and left untreated the cavity will eventually destroy dentin, pulp and tooth nerve.

What Can You Do To Reduce Your Chances of Getting Cavities?

Good oral hygiene significantly reduce your risk of getting cavities. Brushing and the use of a water pick can help reduce your chance of cavities. The Hydrabrush helps you do both at the same time! Brushing removes bacteria as well as the food debris bacteria feed on. When brushing it is crucial to brush all tooth surfaces which takes at least 2-3 minutes. Unfortunately, most people only brush for less than 45 missing a large percentage of their tooth surfaces.

Flossing everyday is crucial to preventing cavities. Flossing reaches the nearly 35 percent of your mouth that your toothbrush can not reach. In these areas, bacteria live happily pouring out cavity causing acid. Remember brushing without flossing is like taking a shower and only washing two thirds of your body. The remaining third still remains dirty !

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, there are other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting cavities:

To Prevent Cavities, Watch What You Eat

Bacteria are particularly fond of foods containing sugars and carbohydrates. These foods provide bacteria with energy to grow, reproduce, and create enamel eating acid. A special favorite of bacteria are foods which tend to stick to teeth like peanut butter, caramel, and honey. When stuck to teeth these foods are not cleared by chewing and swallowing. Consequently they provide bacteria with a long lasting food source from which to make acid.

When you eat meals or snacks containing large amounts sugars, carbohydrates, or "sticky" foods which tend to get stuck to teeth, make sure to follow the meal with water to help wash off food particles remaining on teeth. If possible, brush your teeth immediately after the meal.

To Prevent Cavities, Watch the Timing of Snacks

The timing of your snacks is crucial to preventing cavities. The acid produced by bacteria is neutralized by saliva and cleared from the mouth. After the acid is cleared minerals in saliva crystallize on the enamel to begin to repair areas damaged by the acid.

Larger intervals between meals provide more opportunity for acid to be neutralized and more time for the acid damage to be repaired. Frequent snacks, however, provide for a constant acid attack and provide less time for tooth repair.

This explains why snacks eaten with a meal are better for teeth than snacks eaten between meals. A candy bar eaten with a meal, for example, is less likely to contribute to cavity formation than a candy bar eaten as a snack between meals.

This also explains why fewer larger sized meals are better for teeth than more frequent smaller sized meals. Likewise, sipping on sugar containing liquids through out the day is much more detrimental than drinking sugar containing liquids with a meal.

Use Fluoride to Prevent Cavities

Fluoride is a wonder of modern dentistry. Fluoride incorporates itself into tooth enamel strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks. Most adults receive adequate amounts of fluoride in their toothpastes. Children often receive adequate amounts in their drinking water. If your water is not fluoridated you may want to consult your pediatrician to see about providing fluoride supplements for your child.

Visit Your Dentist On a Regular Basis

Dental problems often remain silent creating pain only after significant damage has occurred. Dentists can identify many of these potentially devastating problems before they cause major damage.

Additionally, dentists can detect places in your mouth that you miss when brushing. These areas are prime targets for cavity formation. In areas where cavities are just beginning to form, dentists can use high concentration fluoride treatments to prevent the need for the dental drills and fillings.

With proper oral hygiene and attention to what we eat and when we eat, cavities can be virtually eliminated.

source: www.saveyoursmile.com

 

Dentist Livermore - Importance of Flossing - Smiles by Design in Livermore

FLOSSING: We often get asked questions such as how often should I floss, is flossing necessary, and what teeth should I floss ? Our response is the cliche used by dentists the world over. You should only floss the teeth you want to keep! You see next to brushing, flossing is the most important thing that you can do to ensure good oral health.
The purpose of both brushing and flossing is to reduce the number of bacteria which inhabit our mouths. Normally, millions of these microscopic monsters call your mouth home, feeding on food particles left on our teeth.

Ungrateful guests, these bacteria produce acid as a result of their feasting and it is this acid which eats into tooth enamel creating cavities. If this wasn't bad enough, the bacteria also pour out volatile sulfur compounds creating embarrassing bad breath.

Normally bacteria are found within a mesh of mucus and debris known as plaque. Regular brushing removes the plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people only brush, forgetting that flossing is a key component to any good oral hygiene program.

Flossing removes the bacteria that escape the toothbrush by hiding in the tiny spaces in between teeth. Brushing without flossing is like washing only 65% of your body. The other 35% remains dirty! The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day.

What happens if you don't floss?

If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your dentist.

Over time, levels of more dangerous types of bacteria build up within tartar. Mean and vengeful, these bacteria produce toxins which irritate and inflame the gums. This condition is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated it can progress to periodontal disease - a condition where bacteria and their toxins invade not only the gums but also the bones and the structures supporting the teeth. This can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and teeth which fall out.

If you haven't flossed in a while, you may see a little red tinge of blood on the floss after you use it. This indicates that your gums are slightly inflamed and vastly in need of flossing to remove bacteria. With a regular regimen of flossing this red tinge should go away.

By brushing and flossing we help to eliminate the bacteria which can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontal disease thus creating smiles which last a lifetime.

source:  saveyoursmile.com

 

Dentist Livermore - False Claims on Mouthwast - Smiles by Design Livermore

The FDA has warned Walgreen Co., Johnson & Johnson, and CVS Corp. to stop making unproven claims that their mouth rinse products can reduce plaque above the gum line, promote gum health, and prevent gum disease.

The companies claim their mouthwashes are effective in preventing gum disease, but no such benefit has been demonstrated, the FDA says in a news release.

The FDA says it sent warning letters notifying the three companies of its objections to their claims and ordering them to comply with existing federal regulations.
The mouth rinse products contain the active ingredient sodium fluoride, but the agency says it has determined that the substance, while effective in preventing cavities, has not been shown to remove plaque or prevent gum disease.

Claims by Mouthwash Companies

The products contain misleading labeling statements, the FDA says. “It is important for the FDA to take appropriate enforcement action when companies make false or unproven product claims to ensure that consumers are not misinformed or misled,” Deborah Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, says in a news release.
The companies, under federal law, are not allowed to say products are effective in treating a disease unless those claims have been shown to be true and recognized by the FDA as being safe and effective over-the-counter products.

No Adverse Effects Reported

So far, the FDA says it is unaware of any injuries or adverse health effects related to use of the mouth rinse products, but says the companies’ claims their products are beneficial to gum health lack proof.
It says consumers who are using the rinses may continue to do so for cavity prevention without injury risk, but should know that the FDA has no data that show the products can prevent gum disease.

 

by Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health News

 

Tracy Dentist - Coffee, Tea, & Your Teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Can't give up that double decaf cap after lunch? Here are some tips for minimizing the effects on your teeth.

Coffee and tea are especially tough on teeth, because tannic acid (the stuff that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel and can stain teeth brown. So, short of giving up your java or cuppa, what can you do?

Rinse with a glass of water after every cup, suggests the Academy of General Dentistry. If you prefer iced coffee or tea, he suggests sipping these beverages through a straw. That way, the tannins won't even touch your front upper and lower teeth.

The really white-obsessed can wipe off their front teeth with a tissue. Or ask your dentist about bleaching.

Bleaching is successful in about 90 percent of patients, but not everyone is a good candidate. Teeth that have hints of yellow, brown, or orange respond best. Teeth that are gray from years of smoking will see results, but they won't be as dramatic.

Even if you don't drink coffee, try to swish and swallow some plain water at the end of each meal. Water neutralizes acids left in your mouth after eating and reduces cavity-causing bacteria by about 30 percent.

by BHG.com

 

Pleasanton Dentist - Sweet Tooth - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 

Researchers at West Virginia University are discovering that a person's attraction to sweets may be genetic.

A seven-year study of more than 7,000 people shows that there is a gene that predisposes people to eat more candy or sweets.

If we dentists could check for the presence of this gene through a simple saliva test, then we can help alert parents.

Those children may need to brush their teeth and visit the dentist more often,
reports the State Journal in West Virginia.

To help take care of a sweet tooth you should use daily fluoride rinses and or acid neutralizing mouthwashes. Also you shoul even think about certain rinses and pastes that contain bioavailable Calcium and Phosphate ions to replenish the ones destroyed by the microscpoic acid attack of the sweets against the human enamel of the teeth.

 

Dentist Pleasanton - Dr. Richard D. Howes, D.D.S. - Smiles by Design Livermore

Dr. Howes has dedicated his life to high quality, technologically advanced dental services and treating his patients with respect and individual care. This dedication coupled with a commitment to his hometown of Livermore, where he has been a resident since 1985, prompted him to move his practice from Fremont where he had practiced for over 20 years to establish a unique type of dental practice. This practice has allowed Dr. Howes to provide his patients with a blend of services that no other practice offers.

Dr. Howes graduated from University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco in 1983 and since then has completed hundreds of hours of advanced education. These include completion of a mastership in Occlusion and Neuromuscular dentistry as well as the comprehensive aesthetic reconstruction courses from the world renowned , Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Closer to home, he has completed courses with the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco, which dealt with posterior reconstruction and advanced courses in periodontal surgery completed at the University of the Pacific Dental School.

Dr. Howes has been an active member of both the Academy of Laser Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In addition Dr. Howes is one of only a handful of dentists certified in use of two different wavelengths of dental lasers. In 2001, he was invited by Biolase Corporation, an industry leader in dental laser technology, to travel to Melbourne, Australia,to educated dental professionals about the use of laser technology, when this technology was introduced to Australia in 2001..

Outreach and community service have been an important part of Dr. Howes life. He has been a Past President of Rotary International (Fremont Sunrise Rotary Club). He has been a member of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce and has served as a chair person for the St. Charles Catholic Church and has been involved with the Knights of Columbus. In addition Dr. Howes has supported a number of High School and community organizations as well as serving on the Anchor of Hope board of directors which provides funds and service to a number of local and international causes.

Dr. Howes and his wife Jo have three children all of whom graduated from Granada High School. The oldest son served in the United States Marine Corps and was sent on three tours of duty to Iraq. Dr. Howes is also an avid Boise State Bronco fan as he graduated from Boise State University in 1979.

“I have helped many men and women improve their dental health. The excitement and the reward is not only to create a beautiful smile and to improve someone's dental health but also to see the life changing transformation of their self-image.”

Richard Howes, D.D.S.

 

Dentist Livermore - More About Dental Floss - Smiles by Design in Livermore



Believe it or not, researchers have compared different types of dental floss to determine whether some are more effective than others to clean teeth. The bottom line is that they are not. Any type of floss will help promote clean teeth by removing food particles and bacteria.

In one study conducted by periodontists at the University of Buffalo, 60 adults with mild gingivitis were divided into two groups. One group was instructed to use a nylon waxed dental floss and the other group was instructed to use a wide polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) floss. The study participants' teeth were evaluated at the start of the study and again after two weeks, five weeks and six weeks. At each visit, the participants' teeth were evaluated for plaque, gingivitis and gum bleeding. At the fifth week, the groups switched to using the other type of floss so the researchers could determine whether the participants had a preference for one type.

Overall, the researchers found that both types of floss were similarly effective in reducing plaque and improving gum health. But 75 percent of the participants preferred the PTFE floss and only 25 percent preferred the nylon floss.
If you are new to flossing, or if you have sensitive gums, you may want to start with PTFE floss, such as Crest's Glide floss, which is softer than a traditional nylon floss to slide more easily between the teeth and is less likely to break or shred than a nylon floss.

by Oralb

 

Pleasanton Dentist - Choosing the Right Toothbrush - Smiles by Design in Livermore

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?
With so many shapes, sizes and styles of toothbrushes on the market, deciding which kind to buy can be confusing. Here's what you should look for:

• Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth
• When it comes to the type of handle (such as non-slip grip or flexible neck), shape of the head (tapered or rectangular) and style of bristles (such as rippled, flat or trimmed to a dome shape), pick whatever is most comfortable for you. The best toothbrush is one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth easily
• For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.

by colgate.com

 

Pleasanton Dentist - Why Dental Implants - Smiles by Design in Livemrore

Why Dental Implants

Why should teeth be replaced

There are several possible unfavourable consequences from loss of teeth without replacement:

• Drifting of adjacent teeth: when there is a missing gap, opposing teeth may over-erupt adjacent teeth drif into the empty spaces resulting in food trapping and possible decay
• Difficulty of chewing : missing teeth causes issues in chewing that could possibly result in indigestion
• Poor appearance & bone loss: loss of youthful and facial structure appearance due to bone resorption
• Loss of lip support
• Poor speech : difficulty in speaking specially if front teeth is missing

Benefits of Dental Implants

• dental implants provide a longer-term solution
• dental implants slow down bone loss and preserve nearby healthy tooth tissue
• dental implants looks and feels smiliar to natural teeth
• dental implants will not decay, fracture or foster gum disease
• dental implants can replace one or a series of lost teeth
• teeth implants are strong and able to perform the same functions as a natural tooth
• teeth implants improve confidence and quality of life
• teeth implants greatly enhanced function, such as chewing and biting
• teeth implants improved appearance

Tracy Dentist - Dental Implants Post-Care - Smiles by Design Livemore

Dental implants post-care

• After an implant placement, a blood clot forms in the surgical area that is a normal part of the healing process.
• avoid activities that might disturb the surgical area.
• Do not rinse your mouth vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers.
• Do not smoke or drink through a straw for 72 hours following your surgery as these activities create suction in the mouth, which could dislodge the clot and delay healing.
• drink some fluids or use a wet washcloth and wipe your tongue, but please stay away from the surgical area.
• Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after your procedure. This will reduce bleeding and help the blood clot to form
• apply Vaseline or lanolin to the lips for the first two days to prevent lips from drying or cracking.

livermore Dentist - Diet Dental Implant Post Care - Smiles by Design Livermore

Diet dental implant post care

• after surgery, eat nourishing semi-liquids food that can be eaten comfortably.
• avoid extremely hot foods and liquid.
• soft foods during the first 6 days is recommended in to avoiding food particles from contaminating the implant surgery site
• After each meal, rinsed thoroughly with warm saline solution, half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, or mouthwash containing chlorhexidine

Pleasanton Dentist - Dental Crowns, Foods to Avoid - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over a tooth. It covers the tooth, restores the shape and size, strength, and improves its appearance.

Dental crowns were cemented into place and fully cover the whole noticeable part of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. A dental crown is place to prevent weak tooth from breaking or to hold the cracked tooth.
Although the purpose of dental crown is to protect the tooth, it may create problems. These can be minor or worst dental crown problems. If these things happen tell your dentist right away so that he or she can make proper recommendation/treatment. Here are some dental crown problems that usually occur:

1. Tooth is very sensitive to hot or cold dental crown problem
There are many instances that after the dental crown cemented into place, a problem of tooth sensitivity to both hot and cold beverage occurs. Normally the area of this problem is at the edge of the crown, by the gum line. This kind of problem is easy to treat .Simply use toothpaste that has an active ingredient of potassium nitrate. However, a dentist advice is crucial.

2. The dental crown’s bite seems off problem
Even though your dentist has checked if the dental crown touches against your other teeth when you bite before finally cemented your dental crown in place, but after everything was done and your numbness worn out, you found out that your crown’s shape is incorrect. Most probably, your crowned tooth makes contact first or when you slide your teeth side by side you can fell the crown remarkably. Consult your dentist at once for a possible remedy. Your dentist will simply buff your dental crown down so that its shape will more in harmony with your bite.

3. More dental crown problems
Unknowingly your tooth is asymptomatic and this problem rise up after the dental crown was place. There are cases that the tooth nerve becomes apparent then a root canal treatment is needed. It is also possible that the degree of crack of some teeth is tremendous that even the crown cannot hold.

4. Loosing dental crown problem
In case of loosing dental crown, report to your dentist right away so that he or she can make some recommendation. Most probably it will be cemented again.
To avoid more dental crown problems rise up a proper dental crowns care. Here are the following suggestions to avoid dental crowns problems:

• Avoid sticky, chewy foods (chewing gum, caramel), this foods has the possibility of grabbing and pulling off the crown.
• If possible refrain using the side of your mouth with dental crown but if it cannot be avoided try to reduce its function.
• Minimize chewing hard foods (such as raw vegetables), which could dislodge or break dental crown.
• Slip flossing material out-rather than lifting out-when cleaning your teeth.

Although there are dental crown problems that may possibly arise but generally dental crowns is very effective remedy to your tooth problems. Ask your dentist about best options for your dental health.

By Dental Health Magazine staff

Tracy Dentist - Disease Management - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Disease Management

1. How can you help me if I have periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal, or gum, disease is a condition that affects your gums and bone, both of which anchor and support your teeth. This disease is very common in adults and affects approximately 75% of the adult US population. It is not painful and, therefore, those who have it may not be aware of their condition. It can be difficult to treat, particularly if it becomes advanced. You need a professional examination in order to ascertain whether or not you have gum disease. We will help you treat the causative agent, bacteria, which cause dental plaque and tartar. The build-up of plaque and tartar around the teeth adversely affects the gums. The later, and more destructive, stages of the disease process affect the bone and, therefore, the attachment to the tooth. When this is severe, the tooth will be lost. If the process is detected early enough, we can help to eliminate the problem – or at least slow it down. There is no cure for the advanced stages of the disease.
2. Aside from surgery, are there other options for treating gum disease?

Yes there are. You may have heard about some of the new and successful methods for treating gum disease with lasers. There are also new medications that include germ-killing agents. For example, there is a new antibiotic that, when placed between the gum and tooth, has the ability to kill bacteria for an extended period of time (up to 30 days). We are even seeing some success when dietary supplements are added to therapy with medication and good home care. Surgical treatment has advanced significantly with the use of laser technology. This is only needed in a limited number of cases. Lasers can be used for surgical, as well as non-surgical treatments. When lasers are used for surgery, vs. conventional surgical techniques, much less pain and more rapid healing is the result. Lasers also allow us to successfully treat cases that were considered hopeless just a few years ago. Whether you are concerned about the possibility of having gum disease or if you would like to discuss new surgical techniques that can help the disease you already know you have, we would be happy to schedule a consultation with you at no charge.