Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Livermore Dentist - Make Your New Smile Results Last Longer - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Newbeauty


So you've put in the time and gone through the trouble of dramatically improving your smile. Whether you've had veneers applied or simply had your teeth whitened, now's the time to practice smart dental habits to ensure the procedures you've undergone last as long as possible. Here are some top tips to keep your new smile looking great:

Veneers
- Don't use your teeth as tools and use care when biting into hard foods as you can damage your veneers--the thin, porcelain restorations that are adhered to your natural teeth to fix discoloration, spacing or alignment issues.

- Opt for toothpaste that's designed for cosmetic enhancements, but don't waste your money on bleaching products since veneers cannot be bleached.

- Up your dental visits to three times a year and continue flossing regularly to maintain healthy gums.

Bonding
- If you've cracked a tooth or want to fill gaps, your dentist can add to your natural teeth with bonding. But keep in mind the putty-like resin can, indeed, chip again, so be sure to only use your teeth for eating and not as tools.

- Since bonding uses resin instead of porcelain, it is more apt to stain. Avoid highly-pigmented foods and drinks like soda, red wine, berries and coffee, or if you consume them, drink a glass of water or two afterward.

Bleaching
- Immediately after your bleach treatment, the product continues to work while the enamel in your teeth returns to normal. During these first few days, you may want to stick to eating only white-colored foods. Be sure to ditch your old bad habits for good, especially smoking.

- Opt for a professional-grade whitening toothpaste like Supersmile Professional Whitening System, formulated to keep your smile white without harsh ingredients that weaken enamel.

- If your teeth are sensitive after bleaching, use a mouthwash or toothpaste that has calcium in it to help harden the enamel.

source: www.newbeauty.com  by Shellie Terry Benson

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Pleasanton Dentist - Dental Floss - Smiles by Design in Livermore




Did you know that more than three million miles of dental floss is purchased in North America each year? That’s a lot of floss, especially since studies show that only 28% of people use it every day.

Have you ever wondered where floss came from? Well, in 1815, a dentist named Levi Spear Parmly advised his patients to use a thin silk thread to clean between their teeth. This is where the idea originally came from. The first time floss was commercially manufactured in 1882. This floss was unwaxed and marketed by Codman and Shurleft Co. Johnson & Johnson introduced their silk floss in 1896 and then patented dental floss in 1898.

source: infinitydentalweb by Julie

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tracy Dentist - Protect Your Smile with Athletic Mouthguards During Play - Smiles by Design in Livermore

      
If you or your child participates in sports or other recreational activities, you know the importance of protective gear. Wearing protective gear is essential for safe play and shielding fragile body parts from severe damage and injuries.

One good way to protect your teeth is by wearing an athletic mouthguard during any activity that could cause harm or injury to your mouth. The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) covers enrollees for one custom fitted athletic mouthguard at a 50 percent cost-share, per consecutive 12-month period.

Athletic mouthguards help to prevent broken and chipped teeth, cuts inside the mouth and tongue, even nerve damage and tooth loss possible during some activities. Using an athletic mouthguard may also reduce the rate and severity of concussions, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Athletic mouthguards absorb some of the shock experienced from a blow to the head, and help to distribute it evenly.

According to the ADA an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer injury to their teeth or mouth when not wearing an athletic mouthguard. Even in non-contact sports like gymnastics and biking, athletic mouthguards are shown to help prevent injuries.

There are several types of athletic mouthguards available. Many stores sell pre-formed and “boil and bite” mouthguards that are not covered by the TDP. These are generally less expensive options than having your dentist custom-fit a piece for you, however they will most likely not fit as well and may be uncomfortable to wear.

Your athletic mouthguard should fit comfortably, and not restrict your breathing or speech. It should be easy to clean and made of a resilient, tear-resistant material. Visit your TDP-participating dentist and talk about the best option for you and your children.

Athletic mouthguards are easy to care for and should be taken care of properly. Make sure you clean your mouthguard after each use, either by brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste or by washing with cool, soapy water and rinsing with clean water. You should regularly wash your mouthguard with soap and water and carry it in a sturdy, well vented container. Don’t leave the piece in the sun because extreme heat can affect the shape and fit of your mouthpiece. Finally, take your mouthguard to each dentist appointment so that your dentist can check for proper fit and damage or wear. Your dentist can answer any questions you might have about use or care.
     
Source: www.tricare.mil
Col. Jeff Chaffin DDS                                                                                                                                         



Monday, February 13, 2012

Livermore Dentist - 4 Smile Makeover Myths—Busted - Smiles by Design in Livermore

4 Smile Makeover Myths—Busted

4 Smile Makeover Myths—Busted

Source: NewBeauty Staff

There is a lot of information out there about getting and maintaining your best smile. Some of it is really great info. Some of it is, for lack of a better (politically correct) word, baloney.

If you're considering a smile makeover with veneers, you better be able to separate fact from fiction. Here are four common myths that deserve some good old-fashioned busting.

Myth 1: Veneers are a one-time procedure.
Every case is different, and veneers last from five to 12 years in average, but in some cases, veneers have lasted as long as 20 years. "There is a limited life expectancy on every restoration," says Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS. So, you'll have to replace them at some point.

Myth 2: Veneers only alter the look of the teeth.
Fact: Veneers can be used to build out the back teeth, making the cheeks appear fuller for a more youthful appearance overall.

Myth 3: All veneers are the same.
There is a big difference between regular and no-prep veneers, which require no tooth removal; however, only those who have pretty straight teeth without heavy stains qualify for them. Your teeth alignment has to be pretty close to ideal.

Myth 4: Once you get veneers, you're stuck with them for life.
Fact: "In most cases, this is true, but in cases where only small adjustments were made such as tooth contouring, no-prep veneers can be applied, and they can be removed later on.


 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Pleasanton Dentist - Aging and Dental Health - Smiles by Design in Livermore

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, the population of Americans older than 65 years is expected to double to about 71 million by 2040. What’s more, the population of Americans older than 85 years is expected to increase to 9.6 million by 2030.
The unique dental needs and challenges of senior adults, includes a vital connection between a healthy body and a healthy mouth. If you want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes. By adopting healthy oral habits at home, making smart choices about diet and lifestyle, and seeking regular dental care, you can help your teeth last a lifetime.
As you know, your teeth are important for speaking, smiling, chewing and appearance. With regular dental visits and overall healthy habits, you can take control of your oral health—whether you have your natural teeth, implants or wear dentures. For more information, please read Tips for Taking Care of Your Teeth and Visiting the Dentist. You may also wish to review Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) that address popular topics such as brushing your teeth, oral cancer detection, oral effects of common medications, and more.
The ADA’s OralLongevity initiative and online resources are designed to support aging consumers and their caregivers by helping them better understand how to maintain good oral health for life.
Please use this link to find special resources for aging adults, or visit www.ada.org/OralLongevity.aspx.
There you will find a host of resources related to:
  • Dry Mouth
  • Cavities after 60
  • Oral Cancer
  • Dentures & Implants
  • Daily Mouth Care
  • The Effect of Diabetes, Arthritis and Medications on Oral Health
source: www.ada.org

    Wednesday, February 8, 2012

    Tracy Dentist - Manage Your Oral Health - Smiles by Design in Livermore

    Manage Your Oral Health
    Whether you are 80 years old or eight, we have the oral health information you are searching for. Find answers to your questions about insurance, legislation and policies, mouthguards, root canal treatment and more.

    Cleaning Your Teeth & Gums

    Taking care of your mouth is simple. The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
    • Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
    • Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
    • Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
    • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
    source: www.ada.org


    Tuesday, February 7, 2012

    Livermore Dentist - The Debate Over Fluoride - Smiles by Design in Livermore

    Dental Exam Went Well?  Thank Fluoride

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls fluoridation one of the 10 most valuable public health measures of the 20th century. In the early years, rates of tooth decay among the young dropped by 60 percent in communities that adopted fluoridation. My sons, who consumed fluoridated water in reconstituted milk and orange juice as well as in tap water, completed childhood with not one cavity.
    Eventually, 70 percent of the country’s towns and cities adopted this measure, at an annual cost that today ranges from 95 cents to as much as $10 per person, depending on the size of the community. And even though it may have diminished the fortunes of the dental community, the American Dental Association, as well as most national and international health agencies, endorsed fluoridation without reservation.
    In the years since, fluorides have been proved to reduce the rate of tooth decay in adults as well as in children. Older adults whose exposed tooth roots are highly susceptible to decay have particularly benefited.
    The Diffusion Effect
    It didn’t take long for commercial interests to hop on the fluoride bandwagon, introducing toothpastes and mouthwashes with fluoride, along with professionally prescribed fluoride tablets and drops, gels and varnishes. In addition, through the so-called diffusion effect, people living in communities without fluoridated water wind up consuming it in drinks and foods prepared elsewhere.
    Together, these secondary effects have diminished the benefit that can be attributed directly to fluoridated water supplies to a reduction in tooth decay of about 25 to 40 percent. Still, the cost-to-benefit ratio remains strongly in favor of fluoridation.
    Every $1 invested in fluoridation saves approximately $38 in dental treatment costs, according to the C.D.C. The cost of a single filling averages $140, and that’s only the beginning. Through the years, a filled tooth is likely to require further repairs and maybe even extraction and replacement with a bridge or implant costing thousands of dollars.
    None of this, however, has quelled the controversy over the safety of fluoridation, which dates back to the first studies in the 1940s. In addition to being labeled a Communist plot and an unconstitutional form of mass medication, fluoridation has been accused of causing a host of medical horrors: heart disease, cancer, Down syndrome, AIDS, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, mental retardation, osteoporosis and fractures, among others.
    None of these supposed risks has ever been established in scientifically valid studies. The only proven risk, a condition called fluorosis, which results in white and sometimes brownish markings on the teeth from too much fluoride, rarely results from a normal intake of fluoridated water.
    Still, given our increased exposure from other sources, in January 2011 the Food and Drug Administration proposed reducing the amount of fluoride put into water supplies to 0.7 milligrams per liter; a range of 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams had long been the standard.
    As with most substances, the dose makes the poison: In very high amounts, fluoride is toxic, and products containing it should be kept out of reach of children. The government recommends that fluoride not be given to babies younger than 6 months — infant formula should be prepared with water that is not fluoridated — and children younger than 2 should not use fluoridated toothpaste. Those younger than 6 should use it only with supervision, to be sure they spit it out.
    In the last four years, about 200 communities, looking to save money and rallied by opponents of fluoridation, have opted to stop adding fluoride to public water supplies.
    Fluoridation confers the greatest benefit to those who need it most: the poor and poorly educated and those with limited access to regular dental care. In the years ahead, removal of fluoride from drinking water will almost certainly cost taxpayers millions of dollars in increased Medicaid expenditures.
    Out-of-pocket costs will grow for other consumers, too — if not directly from increased treatment of tooth decay, then from having to use alternate treatments to glean fluoride protection.
    Initially it was thought that fluoride had to become incorporated into tooth structures as they form in order to be protective. It was later shown that fluoride’s primary benefit is topical, working on teeth already in the mouth.
    Tooth enamel is “fluid” — every day minerals are lost from it and added to it in processes known, respectively, as demineralization and remineralization. Tooth decay is an infectious disease. Decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down carbohydrates to produce acid that dissolves the minerals in tooth enamel and dentin.
    Compromising Bacteria
    Fluoride, which is present in saliva and concentrates in dental plaque, inhibits the action of acid on tooth minerals. It also promotes remineralization by sticking to tooth surfaces, where it attracts calcium ions present in saliva.
    In addition, fluoride in drinking water is taken up by decay-producing bacteria, which inhibits their ability to produce acid.
    Unchecked, dental decay can cause debilitating pain, tooth loss and the need for dentures. In severe cases, the infection can become blood-borne and deadly.
    Some people are especially susceptible to tooth decay, including those with a history of frequent cavities, people with gum disease, and those who already have crowns or bridges or who wear braces. Others at high risk include people with dry mouth problems, like those with Sjogren’s syndrome; people taking medications that reduce saliva, like antihistamines and hypertensive drugs; and people being treated with radiation to the head and neck.
    Filtered tap water may or may not contain fluoride. Reverse-osmosis filters and carbon filters with activated alumina remove most of the fluoride, but water softeners and charcoal or carbon filters do not.
    Some water supplies are naturally fluoridated. If you use well water, it must be tested to learn the fluoride content. If you drink bottled water, check the label or contact the company. Distilled water contains no fluoride.

    by Jane E. Brody


    Friday, February 3, 2012

    Pleasanton Dentist - Banish Bad Breath - Smiles by Design in Livermore

    This social disease has many causes, some serious. Here's how to clear the air




    It sounds like a dentist's nightmare: a practice in which absolutely every patient has bad breath. But Anthony Dailley, DDS, founder and director of the San Francisco based Center for Breath Treatment, finds the work a source of sweet satisfaction. "I practiced general dentistry for 15 years and never affected people's lives the way I have since I started treating halitosis," says Dr. Dailley, whose patients have often spent many years searching for a remedy to halitosis before finding their way to his chair. "Bad breath carries a real social stigma," he explains. "When we treat someone with chronic bad breath, it makes a tremendous difference in their life." Whether your bad breath troubles are chronic or the occasional morning-after-pizza variety, you can clear the air.

    From Whence This Foul Wind? An overabundance of odor-producing bacteria in your mouth, particularly on the back of your tongue, is the most common cause of bad breath. A bit of self-help--including a dedicated regimen of tooth and tongue brushing--will usually do the trick, explains Richard H. Price, DMD, a professor at Boston University Dental School. There are other less-common causes of bad breath and halitosis however. Dieting can contribute to bad breath, as can postnasal drip. In more serious cases, sour breath may be a symptom of health problems--including respiratory infection, gastroesophageal reflux, uncontrolled diabetes, and kidney failure--that require medical attention, says Mahvash Navazesh, DMD, chairman of the section of oral medicine and oral diagnosis at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles.

    Here's what certain types of bad breath can mean:
    • Sweet and fruity--Diabetes
    • Ammonia/urine--Kidney failure
    • Rotten eggs--Cirrhosis of the liver
    Sweeten It Up What to do about your bad breath? Follow these simple steps: 1. It's hard to tell whether your own breath is nasty or nice, so ask a family member or friend for an honest appraisal, Dr. Price suggests. 2. If it's nasty, ask the person whether it's just a passing thing or a chronic problem. Certain foods can cause temporary bad breath. So can smoking and alcohol.

    3. If it's a passing thing, brush or floss, sip a glass of water, suck a sugar-free mint, or chew a stick of sugarless gum, suggests Dr. Navazesh.

    4. If your bad breath is a chronic problem, launch an offensive against the usual suspects--odor-producing bacteria--by doing the following:
    • Get rid of the food debris on which the bacteria thrive by brushing your teeth (and any dental work) twice a day, flossing daily, brushing or scraping your tongue first thing in the morning and last thing at night, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
    • Sip at least eight 8-oz glasses of water daily. That'll keep your mouth moist, which is important because saliva helps wash away the food debris on which those noxious bacteria thrive.
    • Cut back on coffee and alcohol, which dry your mouth, and fatty foods and dairy products, which can change the acidity in your mouth so that it favors an overgrowth of bacteria.
    • Drugs can sometimes contribute to nasty breath by inhibiting saliva flow and drying out your mouth. Offenders include some antidepressants, antihistamines and decongestants, diuretics, high blood pressure medications, and pain relievers. Ask your doctor if you can switch to another drug that isn't as drying.

    If Nothing's Working See your dentist. For starters, he should check to see whether that bad breath and foul odor is coming from your mouth or your nose. If it's the latter, you may have a sinus or respiratory problem for which you should see your family doctor. Your dentist should also check for and treat fractured teeth and fillings, which can trap food debris, and cavities and gum disease, which can also contribute to bad breath, says Dr. Navazesh. In addition, he should check to make sure that you clean your teeth, gums, and tongue properly, and possibly follow up with a professional cleaning, says Dr. Price.

     

    Thursday, February 2, 2012

    Tracy Dentist - Get Healthy Teeth for Life - Smiles by Design in Livermore


    For decades, Conni Sota left every dental checkup with a clean bill of health. But then came a string of troubles: first the "twinges" with cold drinks, then thinning gums. Inconsistent flossing got some of the blame, admits Sota, 51, who works in a Philadelphia-area law office. But the bigger culprit was age: "Teeth and gums are vulnerable to wear, and it's during your 50s and 60s that problems often start to show up," says Robert Palmer, MD, head of geriatrics at the Cleveland Clinic.

    The good news: A few changes to your dental routine can help. Here, a few dental care tips for healthy teeth and the warning signs to watch for--and fixes that will keep your smile healthy.

    Warning Sign: Twinges

    Fluoridated water was less widespread when Sota was growing up, and there were no fluoride rinses. Without that protection, "most of us in this age group have fillings, and that's where we often see cracks in patients over 50," says Kimberly Harms, DDS, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. "When a tooth is repaired, it's never as strong as the original." But with age, even unfilled teeth become vulnerable to cracks. And those are prime breeding grounds for bacteria.

    Another dental care tip, beware a common entry point: the gum line, where tissue recedes with age. "Decay here can become serious quickly because it's close to the tooth's nerve," says Harms. "If you don't prevent or catch it early, you could need a root canal."

    Fix It
    Call your dentist if you feel even a slight twinge. It may take an x-ray to pinpoint the crack, which can be smoothed or filled. Larger breaks often require a full crown or cap.

    Prevent It
    Your best defenses: brushing, flossing, and using a fluoride rinse. (In one study, twice-daily rinsers had nearly one-third the risk of root cavities as did people who used fluoride toothpaste and a placebo rinse.) But avoid rinses with alcohol, says Margaret Lappan Green, RDH, past president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association; they can irritate older gums.

    Warning Sign: Sensitive Teeth and Painful Gums

    For people with sensitive teeth, often the reason is that periodontal disease has eroded their gums. This bacterial disease starts without symptoms, and many people don't know they have it until extensive damage has occurred. More than half of adults over age 55 have at least a mild case.

    As bacteria build up at the base of your teeth, you may just notice a little bleeding when you brush. But as the microbes multiply, they loosen gum tissue, eating into underlying ligaments and bone that hold teeth in place. Bacteria may also get into your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

    Fix It
    Halt early gum disease and get healthy teeth with professional deep cleaning, daily antibacterial rinses (like Crest Pro-Health or stronger prescription varieties), and more-frequent dental care visits (typically once every 3 months). If you have sensitive teeth, ask your dentist about topical fluoride or other prescription desensitizing agents. Over-the-counter fluoride rinses or toothpastes such as Sensodyne can also help. And go easy on bleaching, which can temporarily increase sensitivity. (Always check with your dentist before beginning to bleach.)

    Prevent It
    "Get religious about flossing," says Harms. Choose a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles. Or try a rotation oscillation electric brush (check the label); research shows that these reduce plaque and gum inflammation better than manual types.

    Warning Sign: Dryness

    Saliva is a magical healthy teeth elixir: It's antibacterial, acid neutralizing, and full of minerals that strengthen enamel. But 25% of women in their 50s don't produce enough, so they suffer bad breath and other problems as a result.

    Fix It
    If your tongue or lips are often dry, tell your doctor. More than 400 medicines are linked to dry mouth, including antidepressants and blood pressure and bladder medicines. A Tufts University study showed that patients taking at least one dryness-causing medication developed three times as many cavities as those not on a drug. Your doctor may be able to switch your prescription--and check for other causes of dry mouth, such as Sjogren's syndrome or sleep apnea.

    Prevent It
    For minor dryness or bad breath, Palmer suggests sugarless hard candy or gum sweetened with xylitol. Daily tongue cleaning also helps. Brush on top, underneath, and as far back as you can reach. A tongue-scraping device, like the BreathRx Gentle Tongue Scraper or the one built into the Colgate 360 toothbrush, can make the job easier.

    source: www.prevention.com

     

    Wednesday, February 1, 2012

    Livermore Dentist - 5 Ways Poor Dental Care Makes You Sick - Smiles by Design in Livermore

    Even if you brush your teeth daily, you may still have dangerous bacteria growing inside your mouth. Not only could that lead to periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease that comes with symptoms such as bleeding when you brush and gum pain), but studies also find a link between poor oral hygiene and major health issues. Here are some ways that missing the mark on oral care could harm your heath.

    It May Hurt Your Heart
    People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease compared to those don't have periodontitis. Researchers aren't exactly sure of why this might be, but one theory is that harmful bacteria from your mouth enters your blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in your heart's blood vessels, leading to inflammation and upping your risk of clots that can trigger heart attacks.

    Your Memory May Suffer
    Some research suggests there may be a tie between poor oral health and an increased risk of dementia. One study that followed 118 nuns between the ages of 75 and 98 found that those with the fewest teeth were most likely to suffer dementia. Experts think oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves that connect to the jaw or through the bloodstream, and may contribute to the type of plaque that's been linked to Alzheimer's.

    It Might Impact Your Blood Sugar
    People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. While this may be because diabetics are more susceptible to infections, there's also been research that finds gum disease could make it harder to control your blood sugar, and that treating it helps improve diabetes symptoms.

    It May Affect Your Breathing
    Gum disease may increase your risk of getting respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia, according to the Journal of Periodontology. The infections might be caused when bacteria from the mouth are inhaled into your lungs, possibly causing your airways to become inflamed.

    It Might Make it Harder to Have a Baby
    Women of childbearing age with gum disease took an average of just over seven months to become pregnant – two months longer than the average of five months that it took women without gum disease to conceive, discovered researchers in Western Australia. Other research finds that pregnant women with gum disease might have higher odds of miscarriage.

    By HOLLY C. CORBETT