Friday, March 29, 2013
Tracy Dentist - 5 Reasons to Brush Before Bed - Smiles by Design in Livermore
While there are numerous reasons to brush your teeth twice a day, here’s a quick rundown of the Top 5 reasons to brush your teeth before you hit the hay.
5. Bacteria Builds Up
Over the course of a day, lots of things go into your mouth. Most of it is the food and beverages you consume as part of your day and we all know about that. But what many people don’t consider is all the other times you put things into your mouth. Some may chew on the ends of pens while others might hold a paper or binder clip between their teeth as they group papers together at the office. In fact, many of us use our teeth as tools, even though we know we shouldn’t. Opening a bag of chips with the help of your teeth is a major no-no, but one most of us commit on a fairly regular basis. All of these minor things may not sound like much, but when you consider that pen may have been used by someone with a cold, or the fact that those paperclips are definitely not sterile, this means more and more bacteria has found its way into your mouth. So, at the end of the day, take the time to clear it all out.
4. Avoid Plaque Build-up
Plaque is a yellow film which builds up between teeth and along the gum line. But plaque needs time to do its damage and by brushing at the end of the day you’re cutting its chances in half. Brushing away food and bacterial debris leaves plaque out in the cold and out of your mouth.
3. Because A Sleeping Mouth is a Dry Mouth
As you sleep at night your mouth naturally produces much less saliva than it does during the day. Saliva acts as a natural barrier against tooth decay as it works to dislodge food and other debris from between your teeth as you’re speaking, drinking or simply working. However, at night, saliva production is almost entirely shut down which is why so many people wake up thirsty in the morning. Since your mouth will not be generating saliva to help with keeping your teeth cleaner, a late night brushing will help to protect your teeth from decay and cavity formation.
2. Protecting Your Gums
When you brush your teeth, you’re doing more than simply keeping your teeth clean and bright. You’re also removing debris and bacteria from along your gum line. If you remove this protection by not brushing your teeth before bed, that same bacteria that will encourage tooth decay will also encourage gum disease. Gum disease is a very serious problem when it comes to oral care and, left unchecked, it can lead to periodontal disease, abscessed teeth and your teeth being less anchored into place and actually shifting in your mouth. Further down the road it can lead to total tooth loss.
1. Wake Up Fresher
If you’ve ever gone to bed without brushing your teeth, then you know how rotten your mouth can feel the next morning. Everything you ate, drank or came into contact with the day before has now had a full 24 hours to fester, spread and grow. Brushing right before bed is a great way to help mitigate that feeling of Morning Mouth. Take the time before bed and wake up the next day without feeling like your tongue is covered in sawdust .. or worse.
source: http://www.teethcenter.com/5-reasons-to-brush-before-bed/
by Teeth Center Staff
http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Pleasanton Dentist - What Type of Toothpast is Best - Smiles by Design in Livermore
The World Health Organization defines health as the complete state of physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease. If you want to declare yourself healthy, you have to make sure that your oral health is satisfactory and to be able to maintain your dental health, you will need to brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly. The hygiene measures you take will make a big difference in your health, and your choice of toothpaste is a key piece of this process.
There are different toothpastes that on the market and when you begin to shop for your toothpaste, consider the following information:
- Fluoride Toothpaste: The most important toothpaste ingredient is fluoride and there are specialized toothpastes where you can get enough supply of the needed fluoride for their teeth. The use of fluoride toothpastes will help decrease the rate of tooth decay in a patient because the fluoride released from the toothpaste helps to strengthen the enamel, making it less susceptible to acid damage and reversing any damage that may already be present.
- Sensitive Toothpaste: The teeth are basically a layer of hard tissues and these tissues are made up of pores. When the pores are too wide or they have been opened, they offer a direct communication to the pulp, causing tooth sensitivity. A sensitive toothpaste has strontium chloride and potassium nitrate in its ingredients, which will clog the opened pores and deal with the pain symptoms, effectively.
- Gum-Control Toothpaste: Plaque or tartar is another big problem in the mouth. When plaque is allowed to accumulate, it can cause big problems for the patient by causing gum disease. If a patient is dealing with gum disease, a gum-control toothpaste would perfectly address the condition because it is composed of ingredients such as zinc citrate, pyrophosphates and so forth.
- Whitening Toothpaste: Everyone wants to have white teeth and when your teeth are more yellow, you can use a whitening toothpaste that makes use of a combination of abrasives, baking soda and weak peroxide to whiten and lighten the shade of the enamel.
source: http://www.teethcenter.com/what-type-of-toothpaste-is-best/
by Teeth Center Staff
http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com
Monday, March 25, 2013
Livermore Dentist - Why Do Children have bad breath? - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Often we assume that because children are so young, they do not suffer from the same dental ailments that adults do. In reality, whether baby teeth or permanent teeth, children are still susceptible to the same dental problems that adults are. Because of this, a child with bad breath is a very real possibility. In order to understand what would cause a child to have bad breath, we need to examine what causes bad breath.
Bad Breath Causes
The condition of having bad breath is more formally called halitosis. This condition is a result of poor oral hygiene and can indicate that there are problems, such as cavities, in the mouth. In addition to poor oral hygiene, bad breath can be created or made worse by the types of foods that are ingested, especially if these foods are not followed up by a thorough teeth cleaning. This is especially true in children who tend to dedicate less time to brushing their teeth after meals and snacks.
Bad Breath and Oral Hygiene
Bad breath results when there is a buildup of old food in the teeth. In this case, the food particles can be brushed away to leave the teeth clean, and thus freshen the breath. When brushing, it is important to also brush the tongue where food residue, and bacteria, can remain, thus affecting the smell of the breath.
When these food particles are left on the teeth (for example, when the teeth are not brushed after eating), these particles can attract bacteria that lives to feed on the particles left on the teeth. This bacteria then cause plaque buildup, a mixture of food particles and bacteria. If left untreated, plaque works to eat away at the enamel of the teeth, causing tooth decay. Think of the decay of leaves or other vegetation, and imagine the smell. Over time, the decay starts to take on a very bad smell. The same happens in the mouth, thus causing bad breath. So, in order to treat the bad breath, the tooth decay needs to be cleaned up and any holes in the teeth need to be sealed.
Foods that Contribute to Bad Breath
Any and all foods have the potential to cause bad breath, especially when they are not rinsed from the mouth after consumption. However, even when teeth and tongue are brushed, bad breath can still result from certain foods. This is because food is broken down in the mouth (through chewing and saliva), then digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Blood travels through the lungs, where it carries oxygen to vital areas of the body, which also means that you’re breathing out air from your lungs that has come in contact with this digested food. Thus, the smell comes out through your breath. This is true even if mouthwash, breath mints, brushing, and flossing are used. Very prominently smelling foods, like garlic and onion are often huge offenders of long-lasting bad breath because they come so prominently through the blood stream and into the air we exhale. Children, like adults are susceptible to both this, and poor oral hygiene bad breath.
source: http://www.teethcenter.com/why-do-children-have-bad-breath/
by
Friday, March 22, 2013
Pleasanton Dentist - How to Remove and Prevent Tartar Buildup on Teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore
How to remove and control tartar buildup on teeth
Tartar or calculus is plaque that hardens on teeth, just above the gum line or in between teeth gaps to form a brown solid. The solid changes color to gray or black in some people, when food particles accumulate on the solid deposit. Tartar buildup is not necessarily caused by poor dental hygiene; one common cause of tartar buildup is bleeding of the gums which might have other grounds like poor nutrition or infection of the gum line.
Tartar removal
There is no "safe" way to remove tartar buildup on teeth at home because one can easily hurt their gum, furthering the bleeding process. This can lead to a gum infection when bacteria from food bounds on to the wound. It is therefore not advisable to poke teeth with sharp objects in an attempt to remove the tartar. Physicians are only allowed to remove tartar buildup above the gum line; one technique they use to get rid of tartar is the scaling and polishing method. The advantage of using the scaling method is that it makes the gums firmer hence reducing risk of gum disease. It is important to have your physician remove tartar as soon as possible because studies show that pathogens can easily infiltrate into the blood stream from an infected tooth, leading to conditions like kidney disease. After you've had the tartar removed you can now be concerned about how to prevent further buildup.
Ways to prevent tartar buildup
Eat hard fruits and vegetables
Hard foods like carrots make the gum line firmer hence reducing the risk of bleeding in gums. These foods also promote healthy teeth because they do not stick on after consumption; in fact they aid in scraping off some of the soft carbohydrates that might have accumulated on teeth. So eating a hard fruit after a main meal is advisable.
Eat sour/acidic fruits
Acidic juices from fruits like lime and lemons are natural bleaching agents, so they keep teeth whiter when consumed regularly but not excessively. The acid also reacts with some of the foods that buildup on teeth hence preventing plaque or tartar buildup. Eat acidic fruits sparingly because when consumed in excess they can corrode the enamel.
Floss teeth at least twice a week.
Tartar buildup is prevalent in some individuals who brush their teeth everyday because the toothbrush does not always reach the gaps in between the teeth. Frequent flossing gets rid of food particles between the teeth hence reducing tartar buildup in teeth. When flossing, avoid abrading the gum because it might lead to bleeding.
Have your teeth checked at least twice in a year
Many people don't pay visits to the dentist's due to lack of health insurance; dental checkups can be expensive. Saving some money for dental checkups at least twice a year is worthwhile because you do not want to lose all your teeth by age 50. Teeth weaken and fall off the gum line after excessive tartar accumulation
Cut down on smoking cigarettes
The tar from cigarettes accumulates on teeth leading to yellowing and tartar buildup. This could be your motivation to quit smoking.
Brush teeth frequently and consistently
I had bleeding gums in my teenage years. I realized that the bleeding would surge whenever I didn't brush my teeth on time; even thirty minutes late. Frequent and consistent brushing is recommended to stop bleeding of gums; hence preventing tartar buildup from blood accumulation. The type of toothbrush one uses can also injure the gums leading to bleeding. You may want to invest in a quality toothbrush, and replace it every 3 months to reduce risks of gum diseases like gingivitis.
Chew food properly to reduce tartar build up on teeth
Tartar buildup in gums at the back of the mouth is common because of improper chewing of food. The food that's hard to swallow accumulates in hard-to-rich places in the mouth; hence leading to tooth decay and tartar buildup.
After you've had calculus removed from your teeth; it is much easier to prevent further buildup of tartar on the teeth because there will be no rough surface for the food particles and minerals to hold onto.
by Isabelle Lee
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tracy Dentist - Acid Reflux and Your Teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Acid reflux occurs when the muscles of the lower esophagus relax and let stomach acids flow upward into the esophagus and sometimes the mouth.
Signs and symptoms are often difficult to detect. Symptoms can include heartburn, regurgitation, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, tooth sensitivity, and erosion of tooth enamel.
Since stomach acid will erode the enamel of your teeth, it is crucial for the longevity of your teeth to protect against acid reflux and GERD. If you believe you may be at risk for acid reflux or GERD, your physician can use a variety of tests, xrays, or endoscopy to diagnose this condition. You can protect your teeth by rinsing your mouth with water following exposure to acidic foods or drinks and after an episode of acid reflux. Do not brush your teeth for sixty minutes after rinsing.
- Receive fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth
- Avoid sugary over the counter antacids
- Use dentin-sensitive toothpaste
- Visit your dentist regularly to monitor possible erosion of the enamel on your teeth
To ensure the safety and health of your teeth and body, lifestyle modifications and medications are necessary to control acid reflux
source: http://axiomdentistry.com/protecting-your-teeth-against-acid-reflux-or-gerd/
http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com
Monday, March 18, 2013
Livermore Dentist - Why MDI Mini Dental Implants? - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Why MDI Mini Dental Implants?
Even the best denture adhesives can’t compare to the denture stability achieved with mini dental implants. 3M™ MDI mini dental implants are designed to help denture wearers laugh, talk and live with comfort and confidence.
As the most popular small diameter implant system in America, 3M™ MDI mini dental implants were developed to provide greater denture stability for those who:
- Can't withstand the rigors of full-size implant surgery
- Don't have enough bone to allow for full-sized implants to be placed
- Are seeking a more affordable dental implant option
How MDI Mini Dental Implants Work
The 3M™ Mini Dental Implant (MDI) Denture Stabilization System consists of:
- A metal housings that is incorporated into the base of your denture.
- A rubber O-ring, housed in the metal housings, to provide the seal that locks the pieces into place.
- Mini titanium alloy dental implants, rooted into the jawbone, that act as an anchor to stabilize a lower denture.
The Mini Dental Implant Procedure
The mini dental implant procedure takes place in your dentist’s office, with local anesthesia. Typically, the procedure takes only one appointment and can be completed within 2-hours!
Your dentist uses a precise and controlled technique to insert the small diameter implants (around 2 millimeters wide) into your jawbone.
- With heads that are shaped like a ball, the implants protrude from the gum tissue where they will provide a secure anchor for your dentures.
- Metal housings that carry a rubber O-ring will be inserted into the bottom of your dentures.
- When your dentist seats the dentures on the mini dental implants, the O-ring snaps over the ball like a socket and locks the dentures firmly into place as they gently rest on the gum tissue.
Implants are designed to help your dentures work like natural teeth, allowing easy and comfortable mobility for functions such as eating, talking and laughing.
The Results
Because of the minimally invasive nature of the mini dental implant procedure, the MDI placement won’t require you to go through a lengthy healing period.
Within a few days, you’ll be out and about, enjoying a lunch of your favorite foods, talking with ease, laughing and smiling freely. All that time, you’re feeling a new stability in your dentures—secure that they have the staying power you need without messy denture adhesives or creams.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Tracy Dentist - 9 Risk Factors for Tooth Loss - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Avoiding tooth loss may be partly within your control, research suggests. In theJournal of Periodontology, dental experts list nine risk factors for tooth loss due to periodontal disease.
Here's the list:
- Being older than 35
- Being male
- Never getting professional dental care
- Never using a toothbrush
- Smoking (current or past)
- Having diabetes
- Having high blood pressure
- Having rheumatoid arthritis
The ninth finding was that front (anterior) teeth were more likely to be lost to gum disease than teeth at the back of the mouth.
Some of those factors -- such as your age and sex -- won't budge. But others -- like whether you brush your teeth or smoke -- are largely up to you.
Tracking Tooth Loss
The list was created by Khalaf Al-Shammari, DDS, MS, and colleagues. Al-Shammari works in Kuwait's Ministry of Health.
It covered all adults who had a tooth removed at 21 randomly chosen general dental practice clinics -- a quarter of such clinics in Kuwait.
The clinics were all run by the Kuwaiti government. Most Kuwaitis who get dental care go to such clinics as part of the country's health system, the researchers note.
The grand totals: 1,775 patients and 3,694 teeth removed. Fourteen patients had all of their teeth taken out.
Leading Reason for Tooth Loss
Gum (periodontal) disease was the leading reason for tooth loss. It's one of the world's main causes of tooth loss, the researchers note.
Men were more likely than women to have a tooth removed. Tooth loss was also more common among patients aged 35 and older.
About three out of 10 patients were smokers or ex-smokers. The link betweensmoking and tooth loss might have been stronger if more information had been available on the patients' smoking habits and history, the researchers note.
Consequence of Poor Dental Care
Nearly 40% of the patients reported that they had never gotten professional dental maintenance.
Only 13% said they had gotten professional dental care in the six months before their tooth extraction.
Most patients -- 60% -- said they never or only occasionally brushed their teeth. Only about 16% reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily.
Tooth Loss and General Health
Many patients also had other health problems.
Nearly one in five had type 2 diabetes. The association between gum disease and diabetes is "well established," the researchers write.
More than one in 10 patients had high blood pressure. The researchers note that an earlier study reported an association between gum disease and high blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
Apart from that study, links between the gum disease and high blood pressure aren't well defined, according to the researchers.
Al-Shammari's study also shows a strong link between rheumatoid arthritis and tooth loss due to gum disease. However, that link "is still not clearly established," the researchers write.
No tests were done to show that diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis caused tooth loss. The study just covers common traits among the patients.
SOURCES:
Al-Shammari, K. Journal of Periodontology, November 2005.
News release, American Academy of Periodontology.
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/9-risk-factors-tooth-loss
http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Pleasanton Dentist - Dental Health and Canker Sores - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Canker sores are small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable. There are two types of canker sores:
- Simple canker sores. These may appear three or four times a year and last up to a week. They typically occur in people between 10 and 20 years of age.
- Complex canker sores. These are less common and occur more often in people who have previously had them.
What Causes Canker Sores?
The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Stress or tissue injury is thought to be the cause of simple canker sores. Certain foods -- including citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, and strawberries) -- can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Sometimes a sharp tooth surface or dental appliance, such as braces or ill-fitting dentures, might also trigger canker sores.
Some cases of complex canker sores are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system; nutritional problems, such as vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron deficiency; and gastrointestinal tract disease, such as Celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
Are Cold Sores and Canker Sores the Same Thing?
No. Although cold sores and canker sores are often confused for each other, they are not the same. Cold sores, also called a fever blister or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. Also, cold sores typically appear outside the mouth -- usually under the nose, around the lips, or under the chin, while canker sores occur inside the mouth.
What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?
You may have a canker sore if you have:
- A painful sore or sores inside your mouth -- on the tongue, soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks
- A tingling or burning sensation prior to the appearance of the sores
- Sores in your mouth that are round, white, or gray in color, with a red edge or border
In severe canker sore attacks, you may also experience:
- Fever
- Physical sluggishness
- Swollen lymph nodes
How Are Canker Sores Treated?
Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two.
If sores are large, painful, or persistent, your dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid ointment, or a prescription or over-the-counter solution to reduce the pain and irritation.
Can Canker Sores Be Prevented?
Although there is no cure for canker sores and they often recur, you may be able to reduce their frequency by:
- Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth, including citrus fruits and acidic vegetables and spicy foods
- Avoiding irritation from gum chewing
- Brushing with a soft-bristled brush after meals and flossing daily, which will keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a sore.
You should call your dentist about canker sores if you have:
- Unusually large sores
- Sores that are spreading
- Sores that last 3 weeks or longer
- Intolerable pain despite avoiding trigger foods and taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Difficulty drinking enough fluids
- A high fever with the appearance of the canker sore(s)
SOURCE: Mayo Clinic.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Livermore Dentists - Dental Health and Bridges - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap -- these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth -- and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
There are three main types of dental bridges:
- Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
- Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
- Maryland bonded bridges (also called a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge) are made of plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal framework. Metal wings on each side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.
What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?
During the first visit for getting a dental bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared. Preparation involves recontouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Next, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. Your dentist will make a temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made.
During the second visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to check the fit of the metal framework and bite. This is dependent on each individual's case. If the dental bridge is a fixed (permanent) bridge, your dentist may temporarily cement it in place for a couple of weeks to make sure it is fitting properly. After a couple weeks, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.
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