Pleasanton Dentist - Jaw Pain Could Be Sign of Serious Heart Condition - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 

Can pain in the jaw or teeth be an indication of a heart attack? How do I tell if a pain in my arm or shoulder is due to a heart condition?

 

These questions are quite common and frequently asked, and not always easily or correctly answered in magazines and journals. In fact, pain caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart can occur in many different forms. Although, once in a while, the location and description of the discomfort may be odd, but, fortunately, most of the time it is similar. The majority of the time patients describe a tightness, heaviness or constriction in the mid-chestor upper abdomen that appears to also be present in one or the other shoulder. The discomfort may also be noted in the upper biceps, elbow and wrist (on either side) and on occasion may feel like it is “going through” to the back. Heart pain can also be noted in the jaw and teeth. It is more common for heart-related discomfort to affect the lower jaw than the upper jaw. Occasionally, the discomfort will not affect the chest or upper abdomen at all.

The reason for heart pain is an inadequate amount of blood flow reaching an area of the heart. Our nervous system senses this as “pain” or “discomfort” most of the time. Our bodies do not always tell us the cause, or the organ that is the source of the problem. So, we have to look carefully at the things that relieve the discomfort, or increase it. If simple motions of the arm, shoulder, or jaw make things worse, it is probably not due to the heart. If rotating the muscles of your trunk (twisting from side to side) make things worse, it is not likely to be due to a heart problem. If pressing on a trigger point causes exquisite discomfort, it is also not likely a heart problem. If taking a deep breath makes things worse, it is not likely that a heart attack is the problem.

On the other hand, if walking fast aggravates the issue, or causes shortness of breath, I would be concerned. If the discomfort persists even when lying quietly, I would be concerned. And, if you are getting short of breath for any reason I would be concerned. On this latter point, shortness of breath is not the same as sighing. Sighing is more likely due to anxiety.

With respect to the question about tooth or jaw pain, when it is the only symptom, it is more often associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction than heart pain. This is caused by misalignment of the teeth, or by manipulation of the jaw in an abnormal fashion (we can do this by “making funny faces”, or by nervous tics). If making chewing motions or moving your jaw hurts, it is more likely that the discomfort has nothing to do with your heart. Pain in the upper teeth also can indicate other conditions, such as a sinus infection or trigeminal neuralgia. It's important to get evaluated by your doctor or dentist to know the cause of your symptoms.

It cannot be emphasized enough that a heart attack can have symptoms other than chest pain and these symptoms should be checked immediately. I have had numerous patients sent to me for “unusual pains.” The classic example is the patient with lower dentures that is having “tooth pain” while walking after heavy meals. This one was, indeed, cardiac.

 

If you are at risk by virtue of age, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking history, etc, it is better to be safe than sorry and have yourself checked by a health care professional. Pain should be respected; it is evidence that there is something wrong. Even if it is not cardiac, it deserves your attention. While a broken rib may heal itself, a torn rotator cuff or TMJ problems won’t.

 

 

 

 source: http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/77/34816/heart-condition/2?ic=2601

by Dr. Larry Weinrauch

 

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Tracy Dentist - New research shows cheese may prevent cavities - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 

CHICAGO (June 5, 2013)—Consuming dairy products is vital to maintaining good overall health, and it's especially important to bone health. But there has been little research about how dairy products affect oral health in particular. However, according to a new study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.

 

The study sampled 68 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 15, and the authors looked at the dental plaque pH in the subjects' mouths before and after they consumed cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. A pH level lower than 5.5 puts a person at risk for tooth erosion, which is a process that wears away the enamel (or protective outside layer) of teeth. "The higher the pH level is above 5.5, the lower the chance of developing cavities," explains Vipul Yadav, MDS, lead author of the study.

 

The subjects were assigned into groups randomly. Researchers instructed the first group to eat cheddar cheese, the second group to drink milk, and the third group to eat sugar-free yogurt. Each group consumed their product for three minutes and then swished with water. Researchers measured the pH level of each subject's mouth at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after consumption.

The groups who consumed milk and sugar-free yogurt experienced no changes in the pH levels in their mouths. Subjects who ate cheese, however, showed a rapid increase in pH levels at each time interval, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.

 

The study indicated that the rising pH levels from eating cheese may have occurred due to increased saliva production (the mouth's natural way to maintain a baseline acidity level), which could be caused by the action of chewing. Additionally, various compounds found in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel and help further protect teeth from acid.

 

"It looks like dairy does the mouth good," says AGD spokesperson Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, FAGD. "Not only are dairy products a healthy alternative to carb- or sugar-filled snacks, they also may be considered as a preventive measure against cavities."

 

source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-06/aogd-nrs060513.php

 

 

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Livermore Dentist - Foods that are bad for your teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 
Best Health Magazine, October 2011

 

 Sugar

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s refined white sugar, brown sugar or honey, sugar is sugar,” says Nicoll. “It’s not the amount, but how often you eat it.” Sugar creates an acidic environment in your mouth, which persists for about two hours after it’s consumed. If you eat or drink a little bit of sugar every few hours, your teeth will be continuously bathed in the acid, which directly dissolves tooth enamel.

And watch out for high amounts of sugar found in many processed foods, including ketchup and spaghetti sauces. Be aware that juices that have no added sugar still contain natural sugar.

The fix: If you are eating foods with lots of sugar, it’s better to consume them during meals rather than as snacks because your mouth produces more saliva during meals, which helps neutralize acid production.Twenty minutes after eating is the ideal time to brush your teeth. That’s because, by that time, saliva has remineralized the enamel that has been dissolved by acid.

 Best Health Magazine, October 2011

 

Raisins, dried fruit

These are high in sugar. Plus, they can get stuck between teeth and stay there for hours, causing decay.

The fix: If you are having raisins or dried fruit and can’t brush immediately, floss, or rinse your mouth with water.

 Best Health Magazine, October 2011

Alcohol

Alcohol dries out your mouth and reduces saliva production. It’s also acidic, which dissolves enamel.

The fix: Be sure to brush your teeth about 20 minutes after drinking alcohol.

 Best Health Magazine, October 2011

 

Soft drinks

They’re considered so damaging to teeth that the World Health Organization says one of its main challenges is educating people that the increase in the erosion of teeth is due to the increased consumption of soft drinks—which all contain acid, whether they are sugar-free or not. “When we see someone with tremendous decay, we often find that soft drinks are the problem,” says Nicoll.

The fix: Don’t drink them; have water or unsweetened tea instead. But if you can’t resist them, don’t brush your teeth right afterwards because acid softens the structure of teeth and makes them more susceptible to abrasion, says Nicoll. 

source:http://www.besthealthmag.ca/get-healthy/oral-health/4-foods-that-are-bad-for-your-teeth?slide=2

By Georgie Binks

Pleasanton Dentist - Should I have my Wisdom Teeth Pulled? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

The wisdom teeth or the third molars erupt at the age of 17 to 21 years. If there is sufficient space, the teeth can erupt normally into the mouth and take its place beside the second molars. Sometimes, however, even when there is enough space and especially when the space is compromised, the teeth will not be able to erupt completely, and it will assume a different position. Depending on its position, the wisdom tooth can exhibit some pain symptom. Some of the symptoms will involve tenderness to touch, swelling and bleeding gums, jaw pain, pressure on the ears, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, heavy feeling on the jaw and pain around the area of the second and third molars.

Depending on the symptoms presented, as well as the position and the condition of the tooth in the mouth, a surgical removal will be indicated. This surgical removal of  impacted wisdom teeth is termed  Odontectomy, and compared to normal extraction procedures which basically involves the mere loosening of the teeth from fiber and bone attachment, Odontectomy is so much more complicated. It involves gum incision and flap reflection, bone reduction, toothsectioning and suturing.

Not all wisdom teeth have to be removed. As discussed earlier, some teeth erupt normally beside the second molar, and these teeth do not have to be bothered, Teeth that present with symptoms have to be removed, but the question here is: what about wisdom teeth that seem to be causing no problem to the patient, at all? Well, you should know that the absence of pain symptoms does not mean you are safe because:

• Based on the position the wisdom tooth takes in the mouth, it can slowly cause damage to the structures and the tooth (or teeth) beside it.
• The constant pressure that the wisdom tooth is putting on the rest of the teeth in the mouth, is causing some displacement and movement, and so crowding the teeth on the anterior.
• A tooth or teeth that is allowed to stay under the mouth for long may develop an infection that can become cystic, thus eating bone and causing an even bigger problem.

Should you have you wisdom tooth pulled? If this tooth did not erupt normally into the mouth, it is going to be safer and smarter for you to do so, because always remember: “prevention is better than cure”.

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/should-i-have-my-wisdom-teeth-pulled/
by Teeth Center Staff


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Dentist Tracy - Do We Really Need Wisdom Teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore

We all have wisdom teeth and most of us will have them removed at some point. This raises the question of why we have wisdom teeth in the first place



A grown individual who has all of his teeth is expected to have thirty-two teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. He will have eight incisors, four canines, eight bicuspids and twelve molars. Every quadrant will have three sets of molars, with the last or third molar being referred to as the wisdom teeth because they come when an individual is supposed wise enough, between 17 up to 21 years old. Due to this, the space is usually not enough to accommodate the teeth, so the wisdom teeth usually gets impacted or embedded beneath bone, soft tissue and teeth.

The surgery

Odontectomy is the surgical removal of the wisdom teeth. When the third molars are found to be impacted, a surgical removal of the teeth should be done. This procedure is carried out by a dental surgeon or a general dentist; and it requires the surgical removal of the third molar which involves the incision of soft tissue to provide access, the drilling of the bone and the sectioning of the tooth.

A good number of patients go through this kind of surgery because most of the time, they come with excruciating pain symptoms. The position that the tooth assumes in the mouth can put pressure on the adjacent tooth, bone structure and gum tissue, so there is pain, discomfort and other symptoms to deal with.

The function of the wisdom teeth

Every tooth in the mouth holds a specific purpose. The incisors at the front are for biting and slicing, and they are anatomically sharp to do the job effectively. The cuspids or canines aid the incisors, with its biting and most especially with its esthetic function, because the canine maintain the natural bulk that appears along the nasolabial folds on either side of the face. The biscuspids aid the canines and the molars. The molars function to hold the bite offering perfect facial integrity; and they are also the biting surfaces of the mouth that aids in chewing or masticating food.

The third molars should hold the same function as the other two molars in the mouth. Despite its position at the end of the mouth, it proves vital for mastication, occlusion and facial integrity. When properly positioned and in an upright position, it will serve the same function and purpose as an ordinary molar, but when it is embedded within the bone and gum tissue, it cannot fulfil what it is supposed to do, so it does not really need to be in your mouth and you should not feel bad about having them removed. It is the last tooth in the mouth and it more or less supports the function of the first two molars, so they can easily function without the third molars.

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/do-we-really-need-wisdom-teeth/
by Teeth Center Staff

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Dentist Livermore - How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed - Smiles by Design in Livermore

If you haven’t already, most of us will have our wisdom teeth removed at some point. We review the wisdom tooth removal process and step by step




There are three molars on every quadrant of the jaw and they are meant to erupt beside each other. The first molars are the first permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth and they are followed by the second and third molars around the ages of ten and seventeen years, respectively. Since the third molars come out at very late, space is almost always compromised, so they never come out completely. Sometimes, the tooth can assume an entirely different position within the bone and tissue, and pose an even bigger problem that involves the adjacent teeth and bone structures.
This condition can cause a significant amount of discomfort for the patient including pain that extends into the jaw and ears.

Teeth Positions

Wisdom teeth are not being guided by other teeth as they erupt.  Also, space is almost always compromised, and because of this,  the wisdom tooth usually erupts in a different position in the mouth. Depending on the position of the tooth, the eruption can cause damage to the second molars or to the border of the lower jaw.  This can make for a more difficult surgical procedure.
The position of the wisdom tooth in the mouth determines the type of procedure needed.  Vertically positioned wisdom teeth are much easier to remove, especially those that are found above the level of the cervical area of the second molar. Mesially or distally tipped wisdom teeth are more complicated given the inclination. Horizontally positioned teeth are more difficult to remove especially if they are positioned low and facing the end of the bone.

The Surgery

After a proper clinical diagnosis and x-ray, a surgical procedure will be scheduled and the patient will be prepared. Based on the position of the tooth, the following procedure will be followed for the surgery:
Step 1: The patient is given anesthesia. Topical anesthesia is applied on the surface and then a local anesthetic is given.
Step 2: An incision is made to the gum tissue covering the area of the wisdom tooth in question and the gum is reflected, allowing a full-thickness flap.
Step 3: As soon as visibility and access is achieved, any hampering bone is removed by drilling and a sufficient area of the tooth should be exposed.
Step 4: Depending on the position, the tooth will be sectioned, so that it could be extracted from the bone that is encasing it, and fragments of the teeth will be removed, piece-by-piece.
Step 5: Once the whole tooth has been removed, the area will be cleansed of any debris and the tissue flap is replaced over the bone to cover the surgical area and then it is sutured back in place, to promote proper healing.


source: http://www.teethcenter.com/how-are-wisdom-teeth-removed/
by Teeth Center Staff


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Tracy Dentist - Toothache Remedies For Pain Relief - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 

If there’s one list to keep handy–this is the one. It never fails that a major toothache hits when it’s late at night and your dentist’s office is closed. Although only a doctor can cure the source of the problem, this list of treatments & pain relief remedies should get you through the night until you can visit the dentist.

Important: If your tooth aches, there is a reason for it and it’s best to have it taken care of by a professional as soon as possible instead of just treating it at home and hoping the underlying issue will go away on its own. If it’s infected (gum area is swollen), don’t delay in getting professional medical care.

Directions for use: Apply directly to both the problem tooth and surrounding sore gums until unless otherwise directed.

For items that direct you to chew or for liquids that are to be swooshed around inside mouth, do so with the sore tooth and focus on surrounding area.

Do not swallow liquids, spit out when done.

1. Salt Water: Mix a heaping spoonful of salt in a small glass of lukewarm to warm water, swoosh around inside your mouth for as long as you can, spit out. Repeat a couple times.
2. Cloves: This is an old timer’s remedy, rest a clove against the sore area until pain goes away. You can also use a drop or two of clove oil (too much can be toxic) or make a thick paste of ground cloves and water or ground cloves and olive oil.
3. Alcohol: Swoosh a bit of whiskey, scotch, brandy or vodka. A strong mouthwash that contains alcohol will do the trick too.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide: Swoosh a bit of hydrogen peroxide. If the taste is too horrid for you, try diluting with a bit of water.
5. Vanilla Extract: Saturate a cotton ball with vanilla and hold in place. Can also use a cotton swab dipped in extract.
6. Almond Extract: Same method of treatment as with Vanilla (above).
7. Peppermint Extract: Same as with Vanilla (above).
8. Lemon Extract: Same as with Vanilla (above).
9. Tea Tree Oil: Just a drop or two will do the trick. You can also add some to a cotton swab and hold in place or add a few drops of tea tree oil to a small glass of lukewarm to warm water and swoosh this around.
10. Oil Of Oregano: Mix a few drops with a bit of olive oil, then saturate a cotton ball with mixture. Can replace the olive oil with lukewarm water if preferred.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar: Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and hold it in place. Can also try regular household vinegar.
12. Ginger Root: Take a fresh piece of ginger and chew it a bit.
13. Garlic: Take a clove of garlic, smash it and apply (settle it inside cheek). You can also mash some garlic with salt.
14. Peppermint Leaves: Chew on fresh peppermint leaves. You can also dried leaves, just hold them in place.
15. Potato: Cut a fresh piece of potato (raw, skin off) and hold in place. Can also pound a piece of raw potato, mix in a bit of salt and use the mash.
16. Lime: Cut a slice or wedge of lime and apply, bite into it if you can to release some of the juice. If you’re sensitive to cold, first bring the lime to room temperature if it was refrigerated.
17. Onion: Slice a piece of fresh onion and hold it inside your mouth. The onion needs to be freshly cut (so it provides a bit of onion juice).
18. Cucumber: Slice a fresh piece of cucumber and hold it over the sore area. If refrigerated, you might want to bring the cucumber to room temperature before using (if sensitive to cold) otherwise a cool piece can be soothing. You can also mash a piece with a bit of salt.
19. Plantain: Chew up a fresh plantain leaf. If you’re too sore to chew, use the other side of your mouth. Once the leaf is macerated a bit apply it to the problem area and hold in place.
20. Cayenne Pepper: Make a paste with cayenne pepper and water.
21. Black Pepper: You can use this full strength or make a mix of pepper and salt.
22. Baking Soda: Take a cotton swab and moisten it with a bit of water, dip it in baking soda (coat the swab really well with baking soda) then apply. You can also make a mouth rinse by mixing a heaping spoonful of baking soda in a small glass of lukewarm to warm water, dissolve the soda then swish the mixture in your mouth.
23. Tea: Make a fresh cup of tea then take the used tea bag (still warm) and stick it in your mouth. Careful not to tear the bag. The tannins that are naturally in tea leaves can help numb things.
24. Ice Pack: Cover an ice pack with a face cloth or towel then hold over your cheek where the problem is. This will help numb things. If that doesn’t work, try the opposite–a hot compress (not too hot that it burns your skin)
• If the pain is unbearable and there’s no dentist available, call your local hospital’s emergency room–chances are they have a dentist on call that can treat you (for a fee).

source: http://tipnut.com/toothache-remedies/

 

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Pleasanton Dentist - What to Do in a Dental Emergency - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 

 

People risk breaking their teeth or otherwise injuring their mouths while eating, playing, exercising, and participating in other seemingly harmless activities. It's important to understand what to do in case of a dental emergency so that your tooth can be repaired when you are able to see a dentist.

What are dental emergencies and how can I avoid them?

Dental emergencies can occur when your tooth breaks, cracks, becomes loosened, or is knocked out completely. Sometimes dental crowns come off of teeth. Lips, gums, or cheeks can be cut.

Dental emergencies can be avoided by taking simple precautions, such as wearing a mouthguard during sports activities to prevent teeth from breaking or being knocked out, and avoiding hard foods that may crack or break your teeth—whether you have your natural teeth or you wear dentures. Oral injuries often are painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

If your tooth is knocked out, immediately call a dentist for an emergency appointment. It is important to see your dentist within an hour of when your tooth is knocked out for the best chance of the tooth surviving the trauma. Handle the tooth by the crown (the top), not by the root (the pointed part on the bottom).

Touching the root of the tooth can damage cells that are necessary to reattach the tooth to the bone. Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub the tooth! Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum to keep it moist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out. If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk or saline solution (the solution used for contacts). If a baby tooth is knocked out, the tooth should not be replanted. The patient should be seen as soon as possible to make sure there are no remaining pieces of the tooth.

What should I do if my tooth is pushed out of position?

If your tooth is loosened and pushed out of position, call your dentist right away for an emergency appointment. In the meantime, attempt to reposition it to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure—but don't force it!

How should I handle a chipped or fractured tooth?

There are different types of tooth fractures. Chipped teeth are minor fractures. Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, tissue, and/or pulp. Severe fractures usually mean that a tooth has been traumatized to the point that it cannot be recovered.

If you fracture a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Take ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain. Your dentist can smooth out minor fractures with a sandpaper disc. Alternatively, restorative procedures may be needed to fix the tooth.

If you wear dentures and a tooth breaks or chips, wear your spare dentures until you can visit your dentist. If you do not have a spare set or cannot get to the dentist's office soon, use cyanoacrylate (heavy-duty, quick-drying "super" glue) to glue the tooth or the piece of the tooth back into place. Remember—this is only a temporary measure until your dentist can properly repair your tooth and should only be used for dentures! Never attempt to glue a natural tooth or part of a natural tooth back into place!

What should I do if the tissue of my mouth is injured?

Injuries inside the mouth include tears or cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations to the cheek, lips, or tongue. The wound should be cleaned immediately with warm water, and the injured person should be taken directly to an oral surgeon for emergency care. If you can't get to an oral surgeon, the patient should be taken to the hospital. Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound.

 Can I somehow prepare for dental emergencies?

Yes, by packing an emergency dental care kit including:

Dentist's phone numbers (home and office)

Saline solution

Handkerchief

Gauze

Small container with lid

Ibuprofen (Not aspirin. Aspirin is an anti-coagulant, which may cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.)


source: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=E&iid=185&aid=3799


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Livermore Dentist - How to Eat With Dental Braces - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Eating can be quiet a challenge during the first few painful weeks in braces -- especially if you are trying to eat holiday food for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Chanukah! Brackets are poking into your gums and cheeks, and you just can't seem to chew properly. 

When you get braces on your teeth, you may find that your teeth don't touch the way they did before, which changes the way you chew. As your treatment continues and your teeth shift, you may continually need to adapt to biting and chewing in a slightly different way. 

How long will eating be a challenge? Most people find that they are more comfortable and can chew food more properly in 2 to 3 weeks after the braces go on. Patience is the key. 

Here are some tips to make it easier for you to cope:

1. Slow down. Chew slowly and carefully, and cut your food into small pieces. Forget about taking big bites of anything, or wolfing down your food. The key word here is: SLOW!
2. Stick to soft food. Eventually you'll be able to eat steak again. But for the next few weeks, lean toward soft foods.
3. Avoid stringy foods, especially if you have a palate expander. You may love to wind your spaghetti around your fork, but for now it would be better for you to cut it into small pieces, or it will get wound around your brackets. Also, be careful with foods that get stringy when they melt, like mozzarella cheese.
4. Forget the nuts and seeds. These will get stuck in your brackets and drive you crazy until you finally brush and get them out. Ditto for the hulls of popcorn. Sticky foods will likely stick to your brackets and be hard to clean off. You also want to avoid biting into anything hard that may break or pop off a bracket.
5. Bite with the side of your mouth. It may be virtually impossible to bite into anything with your front teeth for a while. Get used to biting with your side teeth, instead. Besides, if you try to bite into a burrito with your front teeth, your front brackets will probably get plastered with tortilla.
6. Speaking of burritos, beware of anything with large hidden chunks of meat or vegetables, like burritos or sandwich wraps. Bite carefully into those types of foods so that you don't choke, or better yet, eat them with a fork and knife instead.
7. Sushi will be very challenging and could gag you. You should probably cut it in half instead of trying to pop an entire piece of it into your mouth.
8. Treat yourself to something cold, such as ice cream, popsicles, or frozen yogurt. The cold temporarily dulls the pain from your braces. (For longer lasting pain relief, check out the gumEase product).
9. Develop an arsenal of soft food recipes. You don't need to sentence yourself to boring soups and shakes. There are several cookbooks that can help you prepare healthy, delicious meals, such as The Braces Cookbook, The Braces Cookbook2, Tender Teeth Cookbook, and Surviving Braces. Also check out the soft food suggestions on our sister website, ArchWired.com.
10. If eating becomes too uncomfortable because of mouth sores or poking brackets, apply plenty of dental wax or dental silicone. Or tray a new product called Comfort Brace.

The first few weeks of braces are the worst. But after your gums toughen up with scar tissue, and you get used to chewing and eating differently, you'll find that food isn't giving you as much trouble as it was before. In a few months, you'll be able to manage some crunchy food, and wearing braces won't be as much of a painful ordeal. 

source: http://www.dentakit.com/howtoeatwide.html
Lynn


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Dentist Pleasanton - How Do I Maintain Good Oral Health in My Senior Years?

 

Your teeth can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental checkups. No matter what your age, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

What Special Oral Health Issues Should I Know About as a Senior?

Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your senior years when it comes to your oral health. Wearing dentures, taking medications and general health conditions are some of the issues many seniors face. Luckily, your dentist and physician can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully.

• Cavities and decay on the root surfaces of the teeth are more common in older adults. So it's important to brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and see your dentist regularly.
• Sensitivity can be an increasing problem as one ages. Your gums naturally recede over time, exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by enamel. These areas are particularly prone to pain due to cold or hot foods or beverages. In severe cases cold air, as well as sensitivity to sour and sweet drinks and foods, can occur. If you experience sensitivity, try an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. If the problem persists, see your dentist, as the sensitivity may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth.
• Dry mouth is a common condition in seniors, and one that may be caused by medications or certain medical disorders. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture in your mouth, as well as appropriate treatments or medications to help prevent the problems associated with dry mouth.
• Existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, can affect your oral health. Be sure to let your dentist know of any general health issues you're facing, so that he or she understands the whole situation and can help you meet your special requirements.
• Dentures can make life easier for many seniors, but they require special care. Follow your dentist's instructions carefully and see your dentist if any problems arise. An annual checkup is recommended for long-term denture wearers.
• Gum disease is a potentially serious condition that can affect people of all ages, but especially people over 40. A number of factors can increase the severity of gum disease, including:

• Bad diet
• Poor oral hygiene
• Systemic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
• Environmental factors such as: stress and smoking
• Certain medications that can influence gum condition
  

Because the earliest stages of gum disease are reversible, it is important to spot it early on. Regular dental checkups can insure early detection and treatment of gum disease. Best of all, it is easy to prevent gum disease from developing in the first place, by practicing proper oral hygiene.

• Crowns and bridges are used to strengthen damaged teeth or replace missing ones. A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.

source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-at-Any-Age/Seniors/Senior-Maintenance-and-Care/article/Oral-Health-for-Seniors.cvsp%01http:/www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-at-Any-Age/Seniors/Senior-Maintenance-and-Care/article/Oral-Health-for-Seniors.cvsp


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Dentist Tracy - What is Good Oral Hygiene - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means:

• Your teeth are clean and free of debris
• Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
• Bad breath is not a constant problem

If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.

Your dentist or hygienist can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.

How is Good Oral Hygiene Practiced?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

• Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily
• Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals
• Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
• Rinsing with a fluoride mouthrinse if your dentist tells you to
• Making sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.

Proper Brushing Technique
Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.	Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of eachtooth using short back-and-forth strokes.	Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Proper Flossing Technique
Use about 18" of floss, leaving an inch or two to work with.	Gently follow the curves of your teeth.	Be sure to clean beneath the gumline, but avoid snapping the floss on the gums.

http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Oral-Hygiene/Brushing-and-Flossing/article/What-is-Good-Oral-Hygiene.cvsp


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Livermore Dentist - History of the Toothbrush - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Toothbrushing tools date back to 3500-3000 BC when the Babylonians and the Egyptians made a brush by fraying the end of a twig. Tombs of the ancient Egyptians have been found containing toothsticks alongside their owners. Around 1600BC, the Chinese developed "chewing sticks" which were made from aromatic tree twigs to freshen breath.

The Chinese are believed to have invented the first natural bristle toothbrush made from the bristles from pigs' necks in the 15th century, with the bristles attached to a bone or bamboo handle. When it was brought from China to Europe, this design was adapted and often used softer horsehairs which many Europeans preferred. Other designs in Europe used feathers.

The first toothbrush of a more modern design was made by William Addis in England around 1780 – the handle was carved from cattle bone and the brush portion was still made from swine bristles. In 1844, the first 3-row bristle brush was designed. 

Natural bristles were the only source of bristles until Du Pont invented nylon. The invention of nylon started the development of the truly modern toothbrush in 1938, and by the 1950s softer nylon bristles were being made, as people preferred these. The first electric toothbrush was made in 1939 and the first electric toothbrush in the US was the Broxodent in 1960.

Today, both manual and electric toothbrushes come in many shapes and sizes and are typically made of plastic molded handles and nylon bristles. The most recent toothbrush models include handles that are straight, angled, curved, and contoured with grips and soft rubber areas to make them easier to hold and use. Toothbrush bristles are usually synthetic and range from very soft to soft in texture, although harder bristle versions are available. Toothbrush heads range from very small for young children to larger sizes for older children and adults and come in a variety of shapes such as rectangular, oblong, oval and almost round. 

The basic fundamentals have not changed since the times of the Egyptians and Babylonians – a handle to grip, and a bristle-like feature with which to clean the teeth. Over its long history, the toothbrush has evolved to become a scientifically designed tool using modern ergonomic designs and safe and hygienic materials that benefit us all.

History of Toothpastes
Egyptians are believed to have started using a paste to clean their teeth around 5000BC, before toothbrushes were invented. Ancient Greeks and Romans are known to have used toothpastes, and people in China and India first used toothpaste around 500BC.

Ancient toothpastes were used to treat some of the same concerns that we have today – keeping teeth and gums clean, whitening teeth and freshening breath. The ingredients of ancient toothpastes were however very different and varied. Ingredients used included a powder of ox hooves' ashes and burnt eggshells, that was combined with pumice. The Greeks and Romans favored more abrasiveness and their toothpaste ingredients included crushed bones and oyster shells. The Romans added more flavoring to help with bad breath, as well as powdered charcoal and bark. The Chinese used a wide variety of substances in toothpastes over time that have included ginseng, herbal mints and salt.

The development of toothpastes in more modern times started in the 1800s. Early versions contained soap and in the 1850s chalk was included. Betel nut was included in toothpaste in England in the 1800s, and in the 1860s a home encyclopedia described a home-made toothpaste that used ground charcoal.

Prior to the 1850s, 'toothpastes' were usually powders. During the 1850s, a new toothpaste in a jar called a Crème Dentifrice was developed and in 1873 Colgate started the mass production of  toothpaste in jars. Colgate introduced its toothpaste in a tube similar to modern-day toothpaste tubes in the 1890s.

Until after 1945, toothpastes contained soap. After that time, soap was replaced by other ingredients to make the paste into a smooth paste or emulsion - such as sodium lauryl sulphate, a common ingredient in present-day toothpaste.

In the second half of the twentieth century modern toothpastes were developed to help prevent or treat specific diseases and conditions such as tooth sensitivity. Fluoridetoothpastes to help prevent decay were introduced in 1914. Toothpastes with very low abrasiveness were also developed and helped prevent the problems caused by overzealous brushing.

The most recent advances in toothpastes have included the development of whitening toothpastes,   and toothpaste containing Triclosan which provides extra protection against caries, gum disease, plaque, calculus and bad breath.

Toothpastes today typically contain fluoride, coloring, flavoring, sweetener, as well as ingredients that make the toothpaste a smooth paste, foam and stay moist. Individual toothpastes also may contain special ingredients, such as triclosan in Colgate Total. Toothpaste in tubes is used throughout the world and has been a very successful invention.

 

source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Oral-Hygiene/Brushing-and-Flossing/article/History-of-Toothbrushes-and-Toothpastes.cvsp

 

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