Pleasanton Dentist - What is Tooth Sealant - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Tooth decay is a major problem affecting most people.  When it begins to cause problems in the mouth, it simply looks like a black line, seemingly unthreatening, When the dental disease process is allowed to progress in the mouth it can cause bigger problems that is more serious than a dark line on the occlusal or biting surfaces of the teeth. Bacteria will eat the hard tissues of the mouth, breaking it; and when the bacteria has come deep enough to expose and infect the pulp tissues, the patient will begin to feel some pain and sensitivity. If the infection spreads is left on its own course, the pulp can become inflamed, indicating a need for a pulp therapy or an even more unfortunate dental extraction.
The disease process in the mouth usually follows a slow progression, but once the disease is full blown, you are left alone to suffer the consequences. The best way to deal with dental cavities is to completely avoid them and that is where tooth sealants will become very important.

Investigations on the effectiveness of dental sealants began in the 1960s and after a decade, it was approved for use by the FDA, for use on dental patients. They are plastic-like coatings that are meant to seal the deep grooves and fissures on the tooth or teeth, so that food particles cannot accumulate and provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Sealants can actually be applied on any kind of tooth, but since the molars have deeper grooves and they are subjected to most of the masticatory forces of the mouth, they are most susceptible to tooth decay and dental infection. For this reason, the molars are most indicated for dental sealants; and although adult teeth can also be applied with sealants, it is most commonly done on the molars of children between the ages of 5 and 12 years.

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/what-is-tooth-sealant/
by Teeth Center Staff

Livermore Dentist - Can Cavities be Prevented with Good Brushing and Flossing? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Brushing and flossing the teeth on a daily basis is the backbone of good oral hygiene, but can these two actions really work to prevent cavities from forming on the teeth?  If not, what other actions can be taken in order to effectively prevent the occurrence of cavities?




What is a Cavity?
Before we can begin to tackle the topic of whether or not cavities can be prevented through brushing and flossing, it is important to understand exactly what a cavity is and how it is formed.
Cavities are decayed spots on the teeth that present as black or brown spots, and/or holes in the surface of the teeth.  These are a result of a build-up of food particles that attract bacteria to feed on them.  This breaks down the enamel of the teeth, leaving areas of decay or holes.

Does Brushing and Flossing Prevent Cavity Formation?
The simple answer to the question of whether or not brushing prevents cavity formation is “yes”.  Dentists agree that brushing is a huge part of good oral hygiene, and good oral hygiene helps in the prevention of cavities.  Brushing the teeth serves to remove food particles left over after eating, and when the saliva of the mouth is unable to fully clean the teeth.  And, because brushing is not able to fully reach all areas of the mouth, flossing is extremely important.  Floss is able to reach in-between the teeth where foods can get caught and bacteria can thrive.  Flossing daily removes these particles, thus preventing a build-up of bacteria that can breakdown the teeth causing serious damage to the enamel, and ultimately cause a cavity.

Brushing alone can greatly assist in preventing cavities, but the rate of cavity prevention goes up when both brushing and flossing are used together.  It is recommended that an individual brush at least twice a day (in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed) in order to have the best effect on preventing tooth decay and tartar build-up.  Flossing is recommended at least once a day (at night) to remove all leftover food particles and bacteria before bed.  Because cavities are more likely to form overnight when the mouth is idler, flossing before bed has the greatest effect.  While flossing during the day does contribute to the overall health of the teeth, the effect is much greater when flossing is done at night, removing all cavity causing agents before sleep. 

Other Methods of Cavity Prevention
Brushing and flossing are excellent methods to prevent cavities.  In fact, they are the primary at-home activities for preventing cavities.  However, they are not the only methods out there.  Other methods that assist in cavity prevention are: using a fluorinated mouthwash, seeing a dentist at least two times a year, chewing sugar free gum between meals (keeps saliva moving throughout the mouth, thus removing bacteria), getting a new tooth brush every six months or less, and limit the consumption of foods containing large amounts of sugar (such as candy and cake).

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/can-cavities-be-prevented-with-good-brushing-and-flossing/


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by teeth center staff

Tracy Dentist - What Type of Toothpaste Is Best for Babies? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

 What Type of Toothpaste Is Best for Babies?



Brushing your teeth is a common part of getting ready for the day for most adults.  However, we often forget our humble tooth brushing routine beginnings.  Children need to begin working at establishing a good oral hygiene routine from a young age in order to maintain the health of their teeth, and mouth as a whole.  As a parent, this means helping your child to brush their teeth and checking to see that brushing is done properly, purchasing a good toothbrush, and choosing and purchasing the right toothpaste for your child’s needs.  This latter necessity can be difficult, especially for first time parents.  Unfortunately, just because our parents went through this routine with us, it doesn’t mean we know what to do and what to look for.  This is especially true since dental technology and research has changed and progressed, leading to better products available for dental health.

When to Begin Brushing
Before choosing toothpaste, it is important to know when it is safe to begin using one.  The oral hygiene habits of a child are different from those of an adult, so toothpaste use must be strictly supervised.
It is recommended that tooth brushing begin as early as 4 months or age, or as soon as teeth begin to bud from the gums.  Of course, at this point, the parents must do the brushing as the child is unable to.  Early tooth brushing generally consists of using gauze or another spongy surface to wipe the teeth clean of bacteria and/or plaque.  As the child grows and the teeth are used more extensively, it will be important to use a toothbrush and paste.  At the earliest stages or oral care, no toothpaste is needed, nor should it ever be used.

When to Start Using Toothpaste
When several teeth have popped through the gums, you can switch from brushing the teeth with a cloth to brushing with a very soft, small brush.  Some dentists recommend that toothpaste also be used at this point, while others hold off slightly longer.  If you’re concerned, consult your pediatric dentist for exact instructions.  What is agreed upon, is at this point in time, the right toothpaste will be fluoride free.  Swallowing too much fluorinated toothpaste is very bad for baby, so a fluoride free toothpaste should be used at this time.

Many pediatric dentists ask that their patients hold off on introducing any toothpaste at all until the child is one year old.  Fluorinated or not, this helps to prevent poisoning if the child is swallowing the toothpaste.  When using toothpaste, there are several brands that are available at local drug stores that cater to infants.  These include Baby Orajel brand which works to clean the teeth, but also offers a safe option for brushers from 4 months to 2 years of age.  Always start out with very small pea-sized amounts of toothpaste and work up as the child shows a better understanding of how to use the toothpaste.

When good brushing habits are established (good brushing habits and good toothpaste habits – not swallowing the paste) you can begin introducing fluorinated toothpastes.  Ask your pediatrician for recommended brands if you’re concerned.  Otherwise, there are a number of reputable brands, like Colgate and Crest with children’s editions.

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/what-type-of-toothpaste-is-best-for-babies/
BY TEETH CENTER STAFF

http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com

Pleasanton Dentist - 5 Reasons to Care for Baby Teeth? - Smiles by Design in Livermore

5 Reasons to Care for Baby Teeth?




We sometimes assume that because baby teeth are not permanent a child’s oral care can be a bit more relaxed than an adult’s oral care.  Unfortunately, this simply isn’t the case.  Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are just as important as permanent teeth, even if they are going to fall out.  Still not convinced?  Here are five reasons why you should take care of your child’s baby teeth as best as possible.

Reason One
The first reason is one of the most obvious, although we may forget how important this is because we take advantage of it.  A child’s baby teeth are important because they allow for the child to intake food.  Biting and chewing is extremely difficult without teeth, so keeping them feeling good and healthy is very important.  No child wants to lose a tooth early and end up waiting years to get it back due to poor oral care.  Additionally, what child wants to feel pain when biting or chewing due to a cavity?

Reason Two
Another reason why care for baby teeth is important is because these early teeth contribute to the development and growth of the child’s jaw bones.  Without baby teeth, the jaw would not have a guide by which to align.  This could cause significant problems for the child, including significant pain.

Reason Three
Baby teeth may fall out eventually, but until they do, they serve the very important job of guiding the incoming of permanent teeth, as well as provide a sort of map for the placement of permanent teeth.  More specifically, baby teeth work to provide the correct spacing and reserve this spacing for the permanent teeth that will later come in.  Failure to do this may result in overcrowding or too much space between the permanent teeth.  While these problems may be fixable with braces and/or a retainer, both are expensive options and caring for the baby teeth to prevent these problems is a less costly option.  Furthermore, if baby teeth fall out due to decay, or have to be removed due to ill-care, a spacer may need to be placed in the mouth.  This can cause discomfort, and be costly.

Reason Four
Another reason to care for baby teeth is to prevent pain and discomfort on the part of your child.  Yes, it may be costly to have those early cavities removed, but would you want to live with a cavity for several years?  Probably not, and your child doesn’t want to either.  Brushing daily, flossing, and using mouthwash (when OK’ed by a dentist) is extremely important, but when this fails and a cavity presents, seeing a dentist right away is extremely important.
Additionally, infections in the baby teeth can lead to lasting problems in the gums.  This may continue to affect the gums into their adult life.  Infections may also spread to cause problems with the permanent teeth.  One potential problem is damage to the growing permanent tooth.

Reason Five
Lastly, baby teeth are important because they provide a great canvas for learning good oral hygiene.  The oral hygiene habits learned in childhood will be taken with your child into adulthood, so teach them to brush well, floss daily, rise with mouthwash once to twice a day, and visit a dentist twice a year, and these habits will last into adulthood and help your child have and maintain healthy teeth.

sources: http://www.teethcenter.com/5-reasons-to-care-for-baby-teeth/
BY TEETH CENTER STAFF

Livermore Dentist - Sedation Techniques for Children - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Sedation Techniques for Children



Adults aren’t the only ones who get uneasy when thinking of dental work, even if that dental work is just a simple cleaning, children do too.  So, the latest in dental technology and care allows for the sedation of not only adults, but children too.  However, because children are smaller and their bodies aren’t always able to handle the same sedation techniques and methods as adults, there are special sedation methods and techniques that cater to this very special and sensitive population.


What is Sedation?
Maybe it’s your child’s first dental visit and you’re worried about their reaction to the sounds and sensations associated with dental care.  Perhaps you’ve already taken your child to the dentist once and they were ridden with anxiety or were so restless that getting any actual dental work done was a lengthy and trying process.  No matter what the reason is you’re considering sedation, it is important to understand what sedation is before reviewing and deciding on a sedation technique.

Some parents are worried about undertaking a sedation technique because they’re afraid of using something harsh or having their child put under anesthesia.  However, the reality is that sedation does not work in the same way that sedation does.  Instead, sedation works to put the child into a relaxed and sometimes drowsy state so that they feel a great deal more comfortable with cleanings and other dental work.  This means that your child feels less discomfort, and cooperates for the dental procedures much better than they did/do without sedation.

Sedation Techniques for Children
As follows are the options for the sedation of children.

Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a form of sedation that is often given to children who need a lot of dental work done, who are very anxious, or who have special needs.  This form of sedation relaxes the child, but still allows the child to maintain their natural reflexes, as well as allows them to respond naturally to questions from the dentist.  Conscious sedation can be given in one of four different ways, and which method is chosen depends on the preferences of the parents, child, and dentist, and what methods are available.  Conscious sedation methods include: intravenously, injection, inhaling a gas, or swallowing a medicine (pill or liquid form).

Oral Sedation
If a child is exceptionally anxious, perhaps more so than is commonly experienced in a child, oral sedation may be recommended.  Oral sedation is stronger than conscious sedation, and often makes the child drowsy, sometimes the child may even fall asleep.  However, unlike anesthesia, the child can be aroused, and they can respond to questions and commands.  Oral sedation is given as a medication in the form of a pill or liquid.

Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, often simply referred to as “nitrous” is the most common sedation method.  Nitrous is a more middle of the road type of sedation.  Those with mild anxiety or nervousness are perfect candidates for nitrous treatments.  Nitrous is administered as a gas that is mixed with oxygen and given through a nose mask during dental treatment.  Many people like nitrous because as soon as the mask is removed, one’s conscious state returns.

source: http://www.teethcenter.com/sedation-techniques-for-children/
BY TEETH CENTER STAFF

http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com

Pleasanton Dentist - Gum contouring - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic form of dental treatment used to improve the general look of a person’s teeth. It is primarily used in cases where the individual has what is commonly known as ‘gummy smile’. This is a condition in which the gums cover too much of the teeth, usually the front teeth, and this can leave the length of the teeth looking too short, which can affect a person’s general desire to smile.

Such a condition may be caused due to genetics, health circumstances or as a result of certain high blood pressure prescriptions. This can have an affect on an individual’s self-confidence and may see them do their best not to smile in public. Thankfully, gum contouring is a dental treatment which is painless and able to solve the problem of ‘gummy smile’ through quick and painless treatment.

What is ‘gummy smile’?

A gummy smile is only considered so when there is a high percentage of gum covering a person’s front teeth. This is commonly caused by genetic factors, but it can also be due to certain health conditions or as a side-effect to some high blood pressure medication. Such a condition can cause a person’s self-esteem to plummet and can make the process of smiling an unappealing one. This is a condition that mainly affects the front teeth but can also shape other teeth out of sight. ‘Gummy smile’ is not so much a medical dilemma but is more of an aesthetic problem. It can however have a negative affect on an individual’s self-confidence, affecting their mental welfare, which is why gum contouring is such an important dental treatment.

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure which is most commonly done through the use of a scalpel. However, technological advances have seen special laser devices emerging in the treatment of ‘gummy smile’. The scalpel or laser will be used to trim away at any excessive gum overlying the teeth. This is a quick and often painless treatment. The scalpel will make the process slightly longer, and the laser also has the added bonus of being able to seal blood vessels during the procedure. This will help to limit the amount of blood released due to the incision. Along with the use of crowns and veneers after the treatment is complete, gum contouring is a simple procedure that can easily remedy ‘gummy smile’.

What does the gum contouring procedure involve?

To begin with a local anaesthetic is used to take away feeling from the area where the procedure is to commence. The scalpel or laser device will then be used to trim away at the excessive gum that is covering the front teeth. As well as cutting away at the gum, the dental practitioner will also work to reshape the gum that is to remain in place. The healing process is relatively quick, but will be made faster if the laser device is used, as it works to seal blood vessels, in order to prevent excessive bleeding once the procedure is complete.

There are certain instances in which the removable and reshaping of the gum is not enough. If this is the case then the dental practitioner may need to remove some of the bone in which the teeth are rooted. This will be down to the judgement of the dental practitioner, should they think the gum will reform too far down on the teeth. This may seem more daunting to some than the mere removable of excessive gum, but it is just as simple a procedure. Once treatment is complete you may be prescribed with veneers or crowns to help improve the look of your smile.

Benefits and risks of gum contouring

This is a treatment that can work a treat to improve your smile and self-confidence. However, as with most procedures that involve cutting into tissue and bone there are certain risks involved.

• The healing process is quick and simple, but will take slightly longer if a scalpel is used.
• This is a relatively painless procedure. You will be unable to feel anything during the procedure due to the local anaesthetic.
• There may be the need to remove bone to improve the look of your teeth. This is a simple procedure.
• The removal of too much gum can make it difficult for the designated area to heal properly. This can lead to swelling and may need to be corrected through further treatment.

source: http://www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/gum.html

 

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Tracy Dentist - New Study Suggest Blackberries Are Key To Healthy Gums - Smiles by Design in Livermore

A new study has suggested eating blackberries could hold the key to healthy gums.

The study, published in the Journal of Periodontal Research, claims blackberries have antibacterial properties which can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and maintain gum health. Previous studies have also highlighted the health benefits of this fruit, suggesting that they can help to stop the spread of cancerous cells in the body.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said eating a healthy, balanced diet and plenty of fruit and vegetables is beneficial for oral and general health. A healthy diet can reduce the risk of oral health problems including oral cancer and other serious medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Dr Carter said it was an ideal time of year to start thinking about changing your diet to include more healthy foods. He suggested adding blackberries to your diet and keeping up a good oral hygiene regime.

He added that oral hygiene is simple and does not take much time. Yet many people still neglect their oral health and gum disease and decay are common. Dr Carter recommends brushing twice a day with fluoridetoothpaste, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, and visiting your dentist at least once every six-twelve months for check-ups.

 

http://www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/news/new-study-suggest-blackberries-are-key-to-healthy-gums-0033