Livermore Dentist - 4 foods that are bad for your teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore

4 foods that are bad for your teeth

Could one of your favorite foods be destroying your teeth?

 

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.

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.

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.

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

http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com

Tracy Dentist - Early Orthodontics May Mean Less Treatment Later - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Look at yearbook or prom pictures from the 1950s or '60s and you'll see many smiles framed with heavy metal braces. It's a sight that's less common in high schools today. Why the change? Children today tend to get braces at a much earlier age. Some patients with special problems begin orthodontic treatment at age 7 or younger.

"The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7," says Thomas Cangialosi, D.D.S. "Permanent teeth generally begin to come in at age 6 or 7. It is at this point that orthodontic problems become apparent.

"Because bones are still growing, it's an ideal time to evaluate a child," Dr. Cangialosi says. "Then we can determine what orthodontic treatment, if any, may be needed either now or in the future."

Dr. Cangialosi is chairman of the Section of Growth and Development and director of the Division of Orthodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Making Braces Hip

To make braces more acceptable and fun for young people, manufacturers have made brightly colored elastics. These are the tiny rubber bands that hold the wires to the braces. Children can choose elastics with their school colors or a holiday color scheme, such as orange and black for Halloween.

Choosing the color of the elastics allows patients "to feel that they are more involved in their treatment," Dr. Cangialosi says.

Still Take Getting Used To

Braces today tend to be less uncomfortable and less visible than they used to be. But they still take some getting used to. Food can get caught around brackets and in wires, and flossing and brushing can take more time. After adjustments sometimes the teeth may be a little sore. Tooth discomfort can be controlled by taking a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Tylenol and others) or aspirin if necessary. The use of lighter and more flexible wires has greatly lessened the amount of soreness or discomfort during treatment.

As more and more children get braces, schoolyard nicknames such as "tin grin" and "metal mouth" are heard less often. Because treatment has become more socially acceptable, embarrassment may be less of a concern.

Beyond Braces

Orthodontic treatment in young children is known as interceptive orthodontics. Intervention may begin as early as age 6 or 7. At this age, teeth are still developing. The jaw is still growing. That means certain conditions, such as crowding, may be easier to address.

Before permanent teeth have come in, it may be possible to help teeth to erupt (emerge through the gums) into better positions. It's common, for example, for the dental arch to be too small to fit all of the teeth. A few decades ago, the solution for crowding was almost always to extract some of the permanent teeth to make space. Then fixed braces were used to position the teeth properly.

Early intervention takes advantage of the fact that a child's jaw is still growing. For example, a device called a palatal expander may be used to expand the child's upper dental arch. Once the arch is the proper size, there's a better chance that the adult teeth will emerge in better position. Sometimes teeth still may be crowded after all of them have erupted. In such cases, some permanent teeth may still have to be extracted to make room to align the teeth properly.

So-called early treatment also may be useful when the dental arches and jaws are not in the correct position. Functional appliances may fix or improve these problems. More treatment usually is needed later on, but it may be shorter and less involved.

"It is important to note that children who receive interceptive orthodontics generally still need braces or other orthodontic appliances later," Dr. Cangialosi says. "However, this early treatment may shorten and simplify future treatment in selected cases." This is commonly known as two-phase treatment.

It is important to note that early treatment does not apply to all orthodontic problems. However, it may help in certain cases.

Two conditions that require early intervention are crossbites and protruding front teeth. A crossbite can cause the jaws to grow unevenly. Front teeth that stick out may be fractured or injured in an accident, such as a fall.

source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Popular-Topics/Orthodontics/article/Early-Orthodontics-May-Mean-Less-Treatment-Later.cvsp

 

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Pleasanton Dentist - Tooth Discoloration - What is it? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

What Is It?
Your teeth can become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes in the toothmaterial. There are three main types of tooth discoloration:

• Extrinsic discoloration — This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained. Coffee, wine, cola or other drinks or foods can stain teeth. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.
• Intrinsic discoloration — This is when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint. You can get this type of discoloration if:
  • You had too much exposure to fluoride during early childhood.
  • Your mother used tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy.
  • You used tetracycline antibiotics when you were 8 years old or younger.
  • You had trauma that affected a tooth when you were a young child. A fall, for example, may damage the developing permanent tooth.
  • You had trauma in a permanent tooth, and internal bleeding discolored the tooth.
  • You were born with a rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta. This causes gray, amber or purple discolorations.
• Age-related discoloration — This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Dentin naturally yellows over time. The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Foods and smoking also can stain teeth as people get older. Finally, chips or other injuries can discolor a tooth, especially when the pulp has been damaged.

Symptoms
Symptoms include stains on the enamel. They can range from white streaks to yellow tints or brown spots and pits. If the enamel has worn away, and dentin is showing through, you may notice a yellow tint in the dentin.

Diagnosis
No special tests are needed. A dentist or other dental professional can diagnose tooth discoloration by looking at the teeth.

Expected Duration
Some tooth discoloration can be removed with professional cleaning. An example would be the stains caused by coffee. Many stains are permanent, however. Teeth sometimes can be whitened with a bleaching gel. In some cases, if the discoloration is severe, a crown or veneer may be required to cover it.

Prevention
Brushing your teeth after every meal will help to prevent some stains. Dentists recommend that you rinse your mouth with water after having wine, coffee or other drinks or foods that can stain your teeth. Regular cleanings by a dental hygienist also will help to remove surface stains.

Intrinsic stains that are caused by damage to a nerve or blood vessel in a tooth sometimes can be prevented. You may need to have root canal treatment to remove the inner part of the tooth (the pulp) before it has a chance to decay and darken. However, teeth that have root canal treatment may darken anyway. To prevent intrinsic stains in children, avoid too much early exposure to fluorides. Once the enamel is formed, fluoride will not discolor teeth.

Treatment
Many extrinsic stains caused by food and drink can be removed by regular professional cleanings and home care. Good home care includes brushing, flossing and rinsing after meals.

Discoloration often can be removed by applying a bleaching agent to the enamel of the teeth. One technique is called "power bleaching." With this method, the dentist applies a light-activated bleaching gel. It causes the teeth to get significantly whiter in about 30 to 45 minutes. Several follow-up treatments may be needed, or take-home bleaching trays may be provided.

It's also possible to remove discoloration at home. You will use a bleaching gel and a mouth guard given to you by your dentist. The bleaching gels designed for use at home aren't as strong as those applied by your dentist. This means that the process takes longer — usually two to four weeks.

You also can buy whitening products over the counter. They contain a weaker bleach than the products you can get from your dentist. The whitening agent is applied as a gel placed in a mouthpiece or as a strip that sticks to your teeth. Over-the-counter mouthpieces fit less securely than the kind you get from your dentist.

Whitening toothpastes may remove minor stains. They do not actually change the overall color of your teeth.

If your tooth has darkened after a root canal, bleaching the enamel won't help. Your dentist can apply a bleaching material to the inside of the tooth, or you may consider a crown or veneer.

Bleaching will not lighten some stains, such as tetracycline stains. In this case, your dentist may recommend covering the discolored areas. This also may be useful when the tooth is chipped or badly damaged.

A tooth can be covered with a color-matched composite bonding material. Another option is to get veneers. These are thin ceramic shells that cover the outer surfaces of the teeth.

When To Call a Professional
Tooth discoloration is mainly a cosmetic problem. Visit a dentist if you're unhappy with how your teeth look. Any change in a child's normal tooth color should be evaluated by a dentist.

 

source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Common-Concerns/Tooth-Discoloration/article/Tooth-Discoloration.cvsp

 

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Livermore Dentist - 20+ 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).

Tips

• 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).
• Try gently brushing your teeth and flossing–this might bring some relief.
• If the side of your face is in severe pain and it feels like you’re going to lose your mind (I’ve been there, done that)–it could be a sinus infection or an allergy that affects your sinuses rather than a problem tooth (even though it definitely feels like it). Try a Herbal Decongestant Steam to break up sinuses, this might help relieve things until you get to a doctor. Chances are a prescription for penicillin is what you’ll need to clear up the sinus infection.

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

 

Pleasanton Dentist - Should you floss? A cost-benefit analysis - Smiles by Design in Livermore

If you are like most people I know, you don’t feel you floss enough. Each time you go to the dentist you get scolded for not flossing at least once a day. You promise to be a good patient but after a week or two go back to flossing every few days, if that. The last time I went to the dentist however I had two cavities and am supposedly at risk of more. The unpleasantness and cost of the experience got me thinking seriously about flossing every day, and for the last six months I have stuck to it.

But maybe I was right when I couldn’t be bothered flossing. What evidence do I actually have that flossing regularly is worth it, given the frequent if small inconvenience it involves?

Whether or not you floss on any particular occasion is a minor decision, but whether you do so over your whole life is a significant one. The cost of dealing with fillings, root canal surgery and decaying teeth can easily run into hundreds or thousands of dollars a year – tens of thousands over a lifetime. On the other hand, if you floss every day for the next sixty years, taking two minutes each time, that would come to around 730 hours, or some 90 eight-hour work days spent flossing! It’s tempting to follow instinct, dentist advice or habit but I don’t see why any of those would be reliable guides in this case. Given the substantial costs and benefits at stake it’s worth looking at the evidence and making a considered decision.

For some reason though it looks like I’m one of the first people to want a cost benefit analysis of flossing. Google and Google Scholar turned up nothing. Economist Bryan Caplan wanted to produce one but didn’t get very far. Tim Harford laughed at the idea. An hour’s search couldn’t even provide me any figures on how much flossing could be expected to reduce the appearance of cavities! There must be research out there but it isn’t easy to find.

But uncertainty is no reason not to run some numbers. Guesses about the individual parts of the overall equation will be better than guesses about the final result. If we put in some reasonable numbers and end up with a strong conclusion (that is floss a lot, or don’t floss at all) we will some guidance as to what we should do.

Here are some spreadsheet results

• Annual discount rate (0%)
• Age (25)
• Life expectancy (85)
• Financial and non-financial cost of getting a filling ($300)
• Average lifetime of a filling (8 years) [1]
• Unpleasantness of having a filling ($50 per filling per year)
• Value of time ($20 per hour)
• Attention-adjusted time taken to floss (1 minute)
• Unpleasantness of flossing ($0.20 each time)
• Cost of 50m of floss ($4)along with guesses about
• frequency of new cavities, depending on the frequency of flossing

to produce a dollar ‘loss’ from the costs you incur both due to flossing and dental work. You can try various combinations, and see which minimises your loss.

Based on past experience, I have guessed that with occasional flossing I will get a new cavity roughly each four years. This will probably vary a lot between people; some teeth stay good no matter how much people abuse them. If I floss daily though, I expect to get a new cavity only each 8 years. With these numbers I come out about $15,000 ahead over my lifetime from flossing daily relative to flossing once a week. Sounds like a good idea!

Unfortunately the result is not very robust. If flossing takes two minutes of my undivided attention, and a high wage makes you value each hour at $40 rather than $20, then flossing looks like a bad idea. Of course, with a higher income you might also be willing to pay more to have nicer teeth and not endure fillings. The other key determinant of the outcome is age. The older someone gets the less valuable continued flossing is as they will not have to deal with any additional damage to their teeth for as long.

Overall however it looks like someone who is young and has teeth that are vulnerable to decay should probably floss regularly.

source: http://robertwiblin.com/2012/04/19/should-you-floss-a-cost-benefit-analysis/

by Robert Wiblin

 

Tracy Dentist - LIVING WITH AND CARING FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS - Smiles By Design in Livermore

DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE DESIGNED TO CLOSELY REPLICATED BOTH THE FUNCTION AND AESTHETICS OF NATURAL TEETH… Unlike some dental restorations that require frequent removal and cleaning, dental implants can be used and cared for like normal teeth. As opposed to tooth replacement options that simply fit over the gums, dental implants are attached to the jawbone to provide much needed chewing support and important stimulation to the jawbone and gums. This stimulation, which is usually provided by the tooth root, ensures that bone loss and gum recession—and consequently face shape alteration—does not occur.

While it is still important to avoid hard foods such as nut shells or ice that might damage natural teeth, you can feel confident chewing just about anything with your dental implants, knowing that they are anchored for excellent support.

AFTER SURGERY CARE

After dental implants are in place, it takes a period of time for them to anchor into your jawbone. The healing process takes time, and it is not uncommon to experience tenderness or swelling for a few days. The American Dental Association suggests a diet of soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup, in addition to any pain medication that your dental implants dentist prescribes.

LIFELONG CARE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

The most important way to care for and preserve your dental implants is to maintain excellent oral hygiene after the procedure. Without flossing and brushing daily, infections can easily develop around the dental implants. Consistent dental hygiene is also an essential part of the fusing process between dental implants and the jawbone. A lack of dental hygiene often results in implant failure. When patients floss, brush, and schedule regular dental appointments, dental implants can last a lifetime without needing to be replaced.

source: http://crowncouncil.com/why-visit-a-dental-implants-dentist/living-with-and-caring-for-dental-implants

 

 

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Livermore Dentist - 5 Mistakes That Put Your Mouth at Risk for Cavities - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Why you should reconsider bottled water, overzealous brushing, and these other harmful habits

More than 1 in 5 Americans has untreated cavities, finds a new report from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And candy-loving kids aren't the only ones suffering: People ages 20 to 44 have the highest rate of cavities, compared to the younger set. So what are we doing wrong? Quite a bit. Besides working on the obvious—brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly—you should make changes in these five areas.

Mistake: You exclusively drink bottled water. Yeah, we know. You thought your plastic habit was super healthy. And it's way better than having sugary and acidic drinks. But if your community has a fluoridated water supply and you never drink from it, you could be doing yourself a disservice, says David Dowsett, a family dentist based in Portland, Ore. That's because fluoride, a mineral that can prevent and even reverse tooth decay, may not be found in all bottled water, or bottled water may contain only miniscule amounts, according to the CDC. That said, 73.9 percent of the current U.S. population has access to regular water that has enough fluoride to protect teeth. "Fluoride is not just for kids," says R. H. Price, a dentist and American Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson in Newton, Mass., so make sure your toothpaste also contains fluoride. Then try tap water: You may like it.

Mistake: You drink sodas and sports drinks—and, yes, diet versions count. These beloved beverages aren't great for our general health, and they're "probably the worst thing" for our dental health, says Dowsett. Blame sugars and citric acid, a preservative that can erode tooth enamel. Enamel, a thin, protective covering, can never be replaced once damaged or lost. In fact, a new study found that sports and energy drinks in particular are causing irreversible damage to the teeth of U.S. teens and young adults due to high acidity levels. (Although diet sodas aren't sugary, they are still acidic.) "The older we get, the more susceptible we are to wear and tear," Price says. The bottom line: Step away from that soda. Water is the best option.

 

Mistake: You snack too often. Chewing stimulates salivary flow, which then helps neutralize acid and rinse away food, the ADA reports. But if you're only chewing for a short time (that is: snacking), you don't produce as much saliva, which can leave your teeth vulnerable to acids. (Bacteria in plaque produce acids that damage enamel, but remember that acids are also in foods and beverages.) In general, "the less saliva you have, the more tooth decay you're going to have," says Price. Plus, it can take an hour for the mouth to neutralize acids, and your teeth don't have time to recover if you're constantly nibbling.

So limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks to mealtimes, if you have them at all. You should be especially vigilant if you're taking medications that result in dry mouth, such as those that treat depression and high blood pressure, Price says. And avoid sugary hard candies and taffies, which can linger on teeth. If you crave candy or gum, choose sugar-free versions that contain xylitol, which can help prevent tooth decay. If you have dry mouth, chewing that gum can relieve symptoms. Or have a bit of chocolate, since you can more easily rinse away remnants with water, Dowsett says. (That's right, chocolate.)

 

Mistake: You brush too soon. We're all for eagerness about good health, but brushing your teeth right after eating or drinking acidic foods could hurt you. That's because if you brush before letting your saliva do its job, you're rubbing against already weakened enamel. So extend your conversation after dinner. Or go for a walk to pass the time. Just make sure to wait a half hour to an hour to brush after meals.

Mistake: You're brushing badly. When you're finally ready to clean your teeth, use a soft-bristle brush. But don't quickly wiggle your toothbrush around and move on: To reduce plaque and have fresh breath, clean all surfaces of your chompers. That includes the inner areas, the rear surfaces of your back teeth, and the spaces in between. (You'll need floss for that last part.) Hey, cleaning your teeth takes just minutes a day. Trust us, you can spare the time.

source: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/06/11/5-mistakes-that-put-your-mouth-at-risk-for-cavities

by Leslie Quander Wooldridge

 

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