Friday, October 28, 2011

Tracy Dentist - Interesting Fluoride Facts - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Fluoride Facts

Fluorine, from which fluoride is derived, is the 13th most abundant element and is released into the environment naturally in both water and air.

Fluoride is naturally present in all water. Community water fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to adjust the natural fluoride concentration of a community’s water supply to the level recommended for optimal dental health, approximately 1.0 ppm (parts per million). One ppm is the equivalent of 1 mg/L, or 1 inch in 16 miles.

Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation benefits Americans of all ages and socioeconomic status.

Children and adults who are at low risk of dental decay can stay cavity-free through frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride. This is best gained by drinking fluoridated water and using a fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
Children and adults at high risk of dental decay may benefit from using additional fluoride products, including dietary supplements (for children who do not have adequate levels of fluoride in their drinking water), mouthrinses, and professionally applied gels and varnishes.

Good scientific evidence supports the use of community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride dental products for preventing tooth decay for both children and adults.

Adjusting the level of fluoride in drinking water first used fluoride as a preventative for tooth decay in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fluoridation of drinking water has been used successfully in the United States for more than 50 years.
Fluoridation of community water has been credited with reducing tooth decay by 50% – 60% in the United States since World War II. More recent estimates of this effect show decay reduction at 18% – 40%, which reflects that even in communities that are not optimally fluoridated, people are receiving some benefits from other sources (e.g., bottled beverages, toothpaste).

Fluoride’s main effect occurs after the tooth has erupted above the gum. This topical effect happens when small amounts of fluoride are maintained in the mouth in saliva and dental plaque.

Fluoride works by stopping or even reversing the tooth decay process. It keeps the tooth enamel strong and solid by preventing the loss of (and enhancing the re-attachment of) important minerals from the tooth enamel.
Of the 50 largest cities in the United States, 43 have community water fluoridation. Fluoridation reaches 62% of the population through public water supplies, more than 144 million people.

Water fluoridation costs, on average, 72 cents per person per year in U.S. communities (1999 dollars).
Consumption of fluids–water, soft drinks, and juice–accounts for approximately 75 percent of fluoride intake in the United States.

Children under age six years may develop enamel fluorosis if they ingest more fluoride than needed. Enamel fluorosis is a chalk-like discoloration (white spots) of tooth enamel. A common source of extra fluoride is unsupervised use of toothpaste in very young children.

Fluoride also benefits adults, decreasing the risk of cavities at the root surface as well as the enamel crown. Use of fluoridated water and fluoride dental products will help people maintain oral health and keep more permanent teeth.

Courtesy of adha.org

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Dentist Pleasanton - Alcohol Free Mouthwash - Smiles by Design Livermore

Using Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Most people are using a mouthwash as part of their daily routine in carrying for their teeth, but are quickly discouraged by the alcohol content found in mouthwash today. People who rinse for the recommended length of time with an alcohol-containing mouthwash which might contain as much as 20 percent alcohol are quite unhappy. Others are concerned that the high percentage of alcohol is enough to cause illness in children or teens who experiment by drinking mouthwash for the alcohol content. Also, some recovering alcoholics avoid mouthwash because the alcohol content has been shown to trigger a relapse.

But alternatives are available-you can find alcohol-free mouthwash that provides similar oral health benefits to a typical alcohol-containing product. Consider a mouthwash with CPC (cetylpyridinium chloride). This ingredient is found in many health care products and is used in Crest’s Pro-Health Rinse. CPC has been shown to be safe and effective. In a mouth rinse, it binds to the surface of germs and causes them to burst, which helps reduce their buildup on the teeth.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Livermore Dentist - Tooth Decay - How to Avoid It - Smiles by Design Livermore

Preventing Tooth Decay

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the formation of dental cavities and  involves three major factors:
* Food or beverages consumed (your diet)
* Bacteria in plaque
* Your current state of oral health

Unfortunately bacteria interacts with the food you eat and waste products are produced in the form of acids. These acids will cause a breakdown and deteriation of areas below the surface of the tooth which results in tooth decay.

Think of it this way: Each time you eat, your teeth are being attacked. Your body does provide a counterattack by rinsing the food or acid away with the mouth's saliva.  The saliva acts as a buffer and helps to neutralize the acid. This series of attacking and rebuilding is like a constant battle raging in your mouth. It’s your body’s defence in protecting your teeth from everyday problems.

There are three factors to look at in help preventing tooth decay.

Food And Beverages
Foods and beverages that are eaten between meals don't help in preventing the decay process. Sticky foods, such as caramels and raisins, should be avoided as between-meal snacks, because the acid attack becomes too much for the saliva to prevent and repair. Eating these same foods during a meal, however, allows for the tug-of-war to be a winning situation for a person and their teeth.

If children are allowed to fall asleep with a baby bottle, or if they’re given the bottle to carry around with them, and the liquid, whether it be milk, fruit juices or other drinks, can be used by the bacteria to produce acids, and tooth decay can rapidly occur. To help prevent tooth decay, limit your intake of sugary, sticky foods and sweetened beverages between meals.
Bacteria In Plaque
The plaque on your teeth should be removed by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Usually, a clean tooth can stay healthy. Certain bacteria are more likely to cause decay because they can use the sugars and starches you eat better than others.

Your Current State Of Oral Health
The third primary part of the tooth decay situation is your teeth and mouth. This includes everything from the way the teeth are shaped, formed and positioned, to your saliva, dental treatment and oral health habits. Your saliva is very important in many ways, including slowing the loss of mineral from the teeth and replacing it in the remineralization process. But sometimes, certain conditions or medication change the amount and type of saliva in your mouth, allowing the tooth decay process to progress all the way to cavities.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Dentist Tracy - Wisdom Teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore


Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:
* Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
* There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
* A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

Patients should ask the dentist about the health and positioning of their wisdom teeth. The dentist may make a recommendation for removal or send the patient to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Dentist Pleasanton - Don't Worry About Dental X-Rays - Smiles by Design Livermore


Dental X-ray images provide provide your dentist with valuable information about your teeth and gums and help them plan the best overall treatment for any dental problems that you have.

Radiation of course, is involved from the machines used for dental X-rays.  However,  the amount of exposure is extremely small, which is why studies have shown that dental X-rays are safe for most people in most situations.

In fact, measurements of the radiation in dental X-rays show that they are not significantly different from the radiation most people are exposed to in daily life from environmental influences. These might include frequent travel by airplane and certain appliances in the home, such as TV sets and smoke detectors.

Although the amount of radiation in dental X-rays is quite low and the procedure is safe, pregnant women should refrain from dental X-rays unless they are necessary. But because pregnant women are at increased risk for gum disease, it’s important not to ignore a potentially serious dental problem due to fears about radiation exposure from X-rays. If you are pregnant and you require dental X-rays, your dental professional will have you wear a lead apron and a lead thyroid collar to protect vulnerable areas. In fact, children and women of childbearing age should wear protective lead coverings when getting dental X-rays. But there is no added risk associated with dental X-rays for breastfeeding women or women who are trying to become pregnant.  www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Dentist Livermore - You Want to Start Proper Dental Hygiene Early - Smiles by Design Livermore

A key question parents want to know; What is the appropriate age to start brushing and flossing my child's teeth? A good method to follow is to start flossing as soon as the child has teeth that are in contact with each other, usually around age two to three years. Once teeth reach this point, food particles can get caught between them and foster the growth of bacteria and the development of plaque.  The good thing is not all children need to have their teeth flossed at this age, so ask your dentist for advice. It is recommended that parents should be brushing a toddler’s teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush specially designed for toddlers’ small mouths and delicate gums.

And good oral care starts before teeth appear. The AAP recommends that, after a feeding, parents wipe a baby’s gums with a soft washcloth or a baby toothbrush using water only (no toothpaste). You could also use a dentist-recommended cleanser like Oral-B Stages 1 Baby Tooth & Gum Cleanser. Once a child reaches 12 months of age, start brushing any existing teeth twice each day. Some dentists recommend using a non-fluoride toothpaste before a child reaches two years of age, but ask to be sure. Water and an age-appropriate toothbrush may suffice.

Once children reach two years of age, you want to encourage them to brush their own teeth. Parents, however, should still follow up and brush them again to make sure they’re clean. If a child resists having his or her teeth brushed, parents need to get creative and make the process fun, like “looking for treasure behind the teeth.” And of course, using a themed brush with your child’s favorite cartoon characters can make brushing more enjoyable.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Dentist Pleasanton - Does your dentist give you alternative treatment options. - Smiles by Design Livermore



You just found out the news there are problems with your teeth, what next? Do you just go down one path to fix the problem or is your dentist experienced enough to give you different alternatives in fixing your dental problems. The goal is to figure out what is best for the patient and the patient's budget.  The last thing that needs to happen is for the patient to walk out without any treatment because an option can't be found that worked for them.

Most dental probles have multiple treatment options. You need to discuss this with your dentist before a course of treatment is decided. What ever the problem is a small cavity, or an infection you should discuss the different options, both the advantages and disadvantages. Then to together figure out what is best for you.

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Tracy Dentist - Implants - Smiles by Design Livermore



So you are thinking about getting an implant. Make sure you go to a specialists for this. Having a dentist perform procedures like replacing your implants or placing an implant would be like going to a quickie oil change place for an engine rebuild. The specialist you go to for such procedures is one that have gone through a least three years of school focusing on their specialty after dental school. Also nervous patients or ones with anxiety benefit from anesthesia and your general dentist can't do that.

Many dentist do get the appropriate training for implants so if you your dentist wants to do the implant procedure make sure they are trained properly.  Ask them where they were trained, how many implants have they done, how many have been successful and how many have failed.

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Livermore Dentist - Silver Fillings Replacing Them ? - Smiles by Design Livermore



Your are told by your dentist that you should get those silver fillings replaced, what next?  There are some theories that silver fillings can be detrimental to your health because of the mercury content.  This theories have never been proven true.

Although tooth-colored versions work well it doesn't mean you need to go and replace your current silver fillings.If you currently don't have any cavities below your fillings, they aren't broken or fractured then you shouldn't have to replace them. Any cavities below the fillings can be detected by x-ray or examination by your dentist.

The last thing you need to do is replace those fillings because silver fillings are passe.  You might be asking for trouble as your teeth may react in an unfavorable way and the last thing you need is for your teeth to become sensitive or the need now of a root canal or a crown. You might want to get a second opinion.

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Dentist Pleasanton - When Reviewing a Dental Insurance Plan - Please Ask Questions - Smiles by Design Livermore



Your thinking I need Dental Insurance, it shouldn't be big deal, right.  Remember some plans will work better for you and your family than others.  Plans differ on how much you can pay for monthly coverage and how much you pay once the dental services are completed.

Then there is the co-pay, the specific deductible and there is the maximum dollar amount per year.

So be sue to ask yourself the following questions:


  • How much will it cost me on a monthly basis?




  • Will I be required to meet a deductible? Once the deductible is met, how much will the dental insurance provider pay for my services?




  • What dentists participate in the plan's network? Are these dentists that my family and I would like to see?




  • If I used a dentist outside the plan's network, how much will I have to pay?




  • Are there waiting periods for certain procedures?
  • Monday, October 3, 2011

    Dentist Livermore - Products that Help Eliminate the Fear of Injections - Smiles by Design in Livermore




    What is the number one fear and biggest challenge to dentist?  The number one fear from patients is the fear of injections - needle phobia.  The dentist you want to visit is the dentist that provides the best WOW experience and can provide a dental experience that is pain free and does not hurt their patients.  

    Guess what, this pain free visit is a great marketing tool and gets more referrals. Research shows that this fear of pain from injections keeps 50% of patients from visiting the dentist.  This leads to an incredible amount of untreated dental needs, excessive tooth loss and overall poor dental health.

    One of the latest dental devices invented by a dentist, DentalVibe uses a innovative microprocessor controlled VibraPulse technology that provides a different stimulation at the injection site.  This feeling travels now to the brain the way of A-beta nerve fiber.  What does this mean - pain free injections.  Maybe this will get more people to go to their dentist.