Stay Hydrated …and Keep Smiling

(http://www.mi-paste.com/about.php)

Information from the American Beverage Association 7/24/14

Referenced- “3 Tips to Staying Hydrated This Summer”

pic source: www.alsplumbing.com

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged dentist, dry, dry mouth, hydrated, mouth, thirsty, xerstomia
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October 14, 2014

Tooth in a Tube

Kara Johansen BS RDH

If your dentist said that there was a procedure he/she could do to prevent and reverse cavities would you do it?

Well, guess what, there is such a procedure! As a hygienist I would have appointments that were very frustrating. These patients use mouthwash, brush two times a day, floss 2 times a day, they don’t rinse out their toothpaste, they come to their 6 month appointments, have great nutritional habits, don’t smoke or drink, and don’t take medications. However, some of these fabulous patients still get cavities. Then the dentist says that he/she is going to “watch” the tooth hoping that through good oral hygiene habits it will get better. Most of the time, honestly, the “watch” areas do not resolve. Finally we found a solution. This miracle procedure is made possible by MI Paste Plus aka Tooth in a Tube.

What is MI Paste?

Besides good oral hygiene our body has ways of remineralizing or strengthening our teeth. In our saliva we naturally have Calcium and Phosphate. These are minerals like fluoride and can reverse small cavities. However, when we have habits that decrease saliva flow and the mouth becomes more acidic. MI Paste is a product that helps balance out the decrease in saliva and acidity of the mouth. MI Paste has Calcium and Phosphate and MI Paste Plus has fluoride.

MI Paste and MI Paste Plus (with fluoride) contain RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP); Casein Phosphopeptide (CPP) are natural occurring molecules which are able to release calcium and phosphate ions and stabilize Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP)
RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) is milk derived with lactose content less than 0.01%*
MI Paste and MI Paste Plus are water-based, sugar-free topical tooth crèmes
5 Flavors melon, mint, strawberry, tutti-frutti and vanilla

Who benefits from MI Past Plus?

When a patient comes into our chair we access their cavity risk level. Here is the list of low risk patients.

Low Risk-

Fluroide exposure
Occasional sugary foods and drinks at meal time
No cavities in mother, care give/or siblings for past 24 months (for patients ages 6-14)
Has a dental home- patient of record, recieves regular dental care
No special Health care needs
No Chemo/Radiation Therapy
No Eating disorders
No Medications that reduce Salivary Flow
No drug or alcohol abuse
No tobacco/electronic cigarette
No new carious lesions
No missing teeth in past 36 months
No visible plaque
No unusual teeth shapes
No fillings between the teeth
No exposed root surfaces
No fillings with a large ledge
No spaces where food gets caught
No braces
No dry mouth

After a patient has been given a risk level the clinician will decide if they are eligible for MI Paste Plus. Looking at the low risk evaluation most people would say yes to one or more of the list above. If you have said yes to one of the above listed items you are at high risk for cavities. Most people would benefit from MI Paste Plus.

What can MI Paste Plus do for You?

reduce sensitivity
reduce symptoms of xerostomia (dry mouth) : medications, medical conditions, chemotherapy, decreased salivary gland function, smoking, drug use, and stress
it can help remineralize weak enamel
remove white spot lesions. Your dentist can also use MI paste Plus to remove weak enamel and white spot lesions on the teeth with a process called enamel microbrasion. Ask one of our Dentists about this procedure.

How to Apply? (from the MI Paste web site)

Brush with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and at night
Apply a pea-sized amount of MI Paste to your teeth’s surface using a cotton swab or gloved finger
Leave undisturbed for 3 minutes
Expectorate (spit) but do not rinse; leave the excess to slowly dissolveIt’s that simple!Your dentist will likely use one of the following methods to apply MI Paste/MI Paste Plus:Custom Tray Application:
Fill a custom tray with MI Paste
Place it in your mouth
Leave undisturbed for 3 minutes
Remove tray and spread remaining MI Paste over tooth surfaces with a gloved finger

Where do I purchase MI Paste?

MI paste cannot be purchased at your pharmacy or local grocery store. You can buy MI Paste Plus from your Dentist or on amazon.com.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.marlboroughdental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CROWNS.jpg

Picture Sources:

www.dentaleconomics.com

www.mi-paste.com

Posted in Tooth Talk
Tagged Cavity, Decay, dental office, dentist, hygiene, MI paste, MI Paste Plus, mouth, oral hygiene, smile, teeth, tooth, white smile, white teeth
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September 30, 2014

What is a Dental Crown?

Julie West BS RDH

A dental crown is a manufactured covering that fits over a prepared tooth to protect it from decay or fracture or to protect a tooth that has had root canal treatment. A crown may also be used to replace a tooth that is discolored or poorly shaped due to chipping or defects during formation.

Typically, the process of getting a crown involves two visits that are two weeks apart. The first visit consists of the dentist removing any decay that may be present and using a dental handpiece to shape and prepare the tooth for a crown to fit over top. An impression will then be taken of the prepared tooth structure. Your dentist or dental assistant will then make a temporary crown that will serve to protect the tooth over the next two weeks while your permanent crown is being made at a dental lab. At your second visit, the permanent crown will be tried in to ensure the color and fit are ideal. If both are satisfactory, the crown will be cemented to the prepared tooth surface.

Sensitivity after a crown is placed is common and may take several weeks to subside. Over the counter pain medication may be used to handle any discomfort. Contact your dentist if the pain persists or gets worse.

Patients should be aware that crowns, like natural teeth, may not last for life. The longevity and durability of your crown is affected by several factors including: your diet, oral homecare with brushing and flossing daily, and the type of material the crown is made out of. Please ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any questions.

image source: bendfamilydentist.com

Want to learn more? Visit us at

(http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20120503/are-energy-drinks-bad-for-teeth)

Sources:

Posted in What is...
Tagged crown, crown sensitivity, dental crown, dentist, hygiene, hygienist, oral hygiene, sensitivity, teeth, tooth
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September 17, 2014

Sports & Energy Drinks

Wendy Parker RDH

It’s that time of year again, where sports start up, we sign our little ones, our teens, and love watching sports starting with the football season. Along with that comes games and parties and lots and lots of food and drinks! Typically the drink of choice for young athletes are gatorades, powerades, and energy drinks to help with their performance in the games, however, I hope this season we think twice about our hydration drink of choice.

Some beleive that the energy drinks and gatorades are the best drink for rehydrating our bodies and giving us energy and better than a soda. However, in the recent years as we have seen an increase in soda and juice consumption by teens we have also seen an increase in tooth decay. Is there a relation? Of course!

“The big misconception is that energy drinks and sports drinks are healthier than soda for oral health” says researcher Poonam Jain, BDS, MPH, associate professor and director of community dentistry at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. (http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20120503/are-energy-drinks-bad-for-teeth)

A study published in the May/June 2012 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of Dentistry, found that there is a significant increase in consumption of energy and sports drinks that is causing irreversible erosion of tooth enamel. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134319.htm)

Jain and her team tested 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks for acidity. They tested six drinks for their effects on tooth enamel and found both types caused damage. Energy drinks, however, were twice as bad. Damaged tooth enamel cannot be fixed.

The six drinks they tested were Gatorade Rain, Powerade Option, Propel Grape, Monster Assault, Red Bull, and 5-hour energy. Samples were immersed in the drinks for 15 minutes and then the sample was transferred to actificial saliva for 2 hours and repeated 4 times a day for 5 days. This may seem a little excessive, however, some teens are drinking these bevereages or a combination of them at this amount. Their results were that the average enamel lost with sports drinks was about 1.5%, and energy drinks it was 3 %. It was interesting to me that the drink that had the highest acidity levels was Gatorade Blue!

One that my kids love to drink! The other drinks with high acidity levels include:

Red Bull Sugarfree
Monster Assault
5-hour Energy
Von Dutch
Rockstar

I don’t know about you, but I’d do about anything to keep as much enamel as possible!

What happens is that the bacteria in the mouth take the sugars and convert them to acid and that acid eats away at the tooth enamel. The more exposure the acid has to the tooth, the more opportunity it has to wear away the enamel and cause decay. So, if you have a habit of sipping on a gatorade, energy drink, or even soda all day, the more you are exposing your teeth to acid and erosion possibly causing tooth decay.

We recommend that if you do have these drinks, please make them more of an exception than the standard (no more than 1-12 oz. bottle/day), rinse with water after you drink them, and make sure you are brush and floss at least 1 hour after consuming them. Otherwise, you could damage the softened enamel from the acidic drink. And make sure you come see us so that we can help you maintain and protect your pearly whites! We hope you all have a great season of sports, fun, friends, and good food!

We look forward to helping you create that new smile that you have always wanted.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://culpepperdds.wordpress.com/for-patients/basic-tooth-anatomy/

Image Source:

www.thesportsbank.net

http://www.gatorade.com

www.clipartbest.com

Posted in Tooth Talk
Tagged acid, dentist, enamel, energy drinks, gatorade, hygienist, mouth, oral hygiene, sports drinks, teeth, tooth
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September 12, 2014

What is a Root Canal?

Andra Mahoney RDHBS

So the Doctor has told you that you need a Root Canal Treatment. What does that mean? Why is it necessary? And where do you go from here?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased.

During root canal treatment, your dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating the insides of teeth) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.

http://www.dentistsonwashington.com/root-canals/

If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and your tooth may have to be removed.

Causes of an infected pulp could include:

A deep cavity

http://blog.distinctive-smiles.com/wp-content//Deep-cavity-before.jpg

repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip)
a cracked or broken tooth

http://www.mcardledmd.com/what-it-means-to-have-cts.html

If you continue to care for your teeth and gums your restored tooth could last a lifetime. However, regular checkups are necessary; a tooth without its nerve can still develop cavities or gum disease. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.

http://faceandjawsurgeryblog.com/wp-content/uploads/perfect-smile.jpg

Want to learn more? Visit us at

References:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/r/root-canals

Posted in What is...
Tagged dental pain, dentist, hygiene, hygienist, mouth, oral care, root canal, sensitivity, teeth, tooth
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September 3, 2014

Radiographs

Becky Larson RDH

Why do I need “x-rays” today?

Many patients are concerned about radiograph frequencies, fearing they are receiving too much radiation. While too much radiation is not good, I want to clarify what is too much and share some important facts about the purpose and benefits of radiographs.

Why do we need to take radiographs?

Radiographs can help dental professionals evaluate and diagnose many oral diseases and conditions. Radiographs can be used to evaluate cavities, bone levels, calculus deposits, abscesses, root apices, wisdom teeth, cysts, sinuses, growths, foreign objects, jaw joints, and/or jaw fractures. Much of what goes on in the mouth is not viewable without a radiograph. In most cases, treating patients without radiographs would be performing below the standard of care. Exceptions can be made in certain circumstances regarding pregnancy or patients who have undergone extensive radiation treatment for other reasons.

How often should radiographs be taken?

Radiograph frequencies are recommended by the American Dental Association. A “full set” of radiographs is generally 18-20 images, depending on the office. A full set is usually taken at a patient’s initial visit to the office and then every 3-5 years after. Panoramic radiographs are helpful in assessing when/if wisdom teeth need to be removed and in viewing eruption of permanent teeth in children. In these cases the dentist uses his/her clinical judgment to determine if a panoramic radiograph is necessary. “Check-up” radiographs usually consist of bitewings and anterior peri-apical radiographs. Frequency of these radiographs will vary from patient to patient but can be prescribed anywhere between 6 months and 36 months. Radiograph frequency is prescribed by the dentist based on a patient’s risk of caries or history of caries.

www.dxis.com

Am I getting too much radiation?

On average, Americans receive a radiation dose of about 0.62 rem (620 millirem) each year. We live in a radioactive world. Radiation is part of the environment and some types can’t be avoided. These include the air around us, cosmic rays, and the Earth itself. About half of our radiation dose comes from these sources. The other half of our yearly dose comes from man-made radiation sources that can include medical, commercial, and industrial sources. Medical radiographic imaging causes more radiation than dental radiographs. One dental intraoral radiograph has a radiation dose of about 0.005 rem. Similarly, a full set of radiographs at a dental office has the same amount of radiation as flying roundtrip from L.A. to New York. In this day and age many dental offices are using digital equipment to process radiographs. Digital imaging emits even less radiation (as much as 80% less) while still producing diagnostic images.

dexis.web12.hubspot.com

q=dental+radiograph&FORM=HDRSC2#view=detail&id=12D6193083883C0660B641C29F834FF5CDFB89CC&selectedIndex=27

Radiation Safety

As dental professionals we are aware that patient’s are exposed to radiation. We take proper precautions and cover the neck, thyroid, and chest with a lead apron. We also make sure our radiology equipment has regular checks to ensure it is functioning properly. Radiographs are prescribed with the patient’s best interest at heart.

We look forward to helping you create that new smile that you have always wanted.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/Dental_Radiographic_Examinations_2012.ashx

Sources:

http://www.dentistry.com/treatments/dental-exam/dental-xrays-and-digital-technology

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-x-rays

http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives.html

http://www.livescience.com/10266-radiation-exposure-cross-country-flight.html

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/?pg=sfty_xray

Posted in Tooth Talk
Tagged Alameda, dental, dentist, hygienist, mouth, North Stapley Dental Care, radiation, radiographs, Shalimar Family Dentistry, teeth, tooth, x-rays
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August 25, 2014

Oil Pulling

Lora Cook RDH

WHAT IS OIL PULLING?

Oil pulling is a folk remedy that has recently been growing in popularity, mostly due to social media. This is an ancient Indian practice, an ancient Ayurvedic ritual. The origins come from Indian medicine. Most recently Dr F. Karach, MD. introduced it to the modern world in 1992. This practice is promoted as a supplement to regular daily hygiene practice along with brushing and flossing. It involves swishing with a tablespoon of oil.

HOW IS OIL PULLING PRACTICED?

Take a tablespoon of a plant based cold pressed organic oil and swish for twenty minutes, then spit. Some oils that are recommended are sesame, coconut, sunflower, or olive oil. The oil will then mix with the saliva and the claims are the oil works to pull out toxins and kill certain types of bacteria. Depending on which website that you read, oil pulling claims to have a long list of positive results.

THE ORAL BENEFITS THAT HAVE BEEN CLAIMED.

Reducing plaque

Reduction in the overall oral bacterial load

Reduces inflammation in the gum tissue

Whitens teeth

Fresher breath

oil-pulling-1

OTHER BENEFITS

Migraine headache relief

Correcting hormone imbalances

Reducing inflammation of arthritis

May help with gastroenteritis

Aids in reduction of eczema

May reduce symptoms of bronchitis

Helps support normal kidney function

May help reduce sinus congestion

Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption

Reduces he symptoms of allergies

Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms

The big question is… Do any of these claims have any validity? There is little formal trial data published about the practice of oil pulling. The ADA states that insufficient research has been done. The Canadian Dental Association states, “oil pullling won’t do any harm, however not convinced there are any benefits.”

We look forward to helping you create that new smile that you have always wanted.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://jillee_uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/2013/07/oil-pulling

Source:

http://authoritynutrition.com/oil-pulling-coconut-oil/

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/oil-pulling-your-leg/

http://authoritynutrition.com/oil-pulling-coconut-oil/

Posted in Gums, Health
Tagged dentist, hygienist, mouth, oil pulling, oral hygiene, teeth, tooth
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August 11, 2014

Invisalign

Amanda Orvis RDH

Invisalign is a uniquely designed orthodontic treatment developed to correct mild to severe cases of malocclusion, including crowding, protruding or crooked teeth, overbites and/or underbites. Invisalign is an affordable option for correcting most dental malocclusion problems.

WHAT MAKES INVISALIGN DIFFERENT?

You may be asking yourself, what is the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces? With Invisalign you can achieve very similar if not the same outcomes as traditional braces. The advantages of Invisalign are the comfort, flexibility, and ease of access to properly care for your teeth without having brackets, wires or rubber bands in your mouth.

Invisalign uses a series of aligners to straighten your teeth over the course of your treatment. Aligners are smooth plastic trays that you wear over your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for a few weeks before changing to a new set.

ADVANTAGES

The great thing about Invisalign is that there are no personal sacrifices in terms of food! You do not have to give up popcorn, chips, bagels, pizza crust, pretzels, nuts, apples, carrots, or corn on the cob. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are removable, therefore allowing you to eat and drink as well as brush and floss your teeth as you would normally do. The aligners are worn for 20-22 hours a day while they gradually move your teeth into their correct positions. The aligners should only be removed to eat as well as brush and floss your teeth.

HEALTHIER TEETH AND GUMS

Often times crowding or malocclusion issues can lead to swollen, red, bleeding gums. These are signs of periodontal disease. By properly aligning the teeth, inflammation is reduced, allowing your gum tissue to fit properly around the teeth. This provides a defense against potential periodontal problems.

Food debris and plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay. In order to maintain strong healthy teeth, simply remove your aligners and brush and floss as you would normally do. Try to avoid eating and/or drinking while your aligners are in your mouth.

THE INVISALIGN PROCESS

Talk to your dentist about your interest in Invisalign.
Your dentist will take impressions and photos and send them off to Invisalign. A customized treatment plan will be created just for you.
After your treatment plan is created, you will then go into your dental office for a brief viewing of a virtual presentation of your anticipated final outcomes.
Upon your approval of your anticipated outcomes, Invisalign then fabricates your series of aligners and sends them to your dental office.
Your dental office will then call you to schedule an appointment for you to come in and receive your first set of aligners.
Over the course of your Invisalign treatment you will change out your aligners every few weeks.
After the completion of all of your aligners, retainers are then made to keep your teeth in their new positions to keep that new smile looking great.

We look forward to helping you create that new smile that you have always wanted.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

https://www.google.com/search?q=invisalign+logo&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=McLNU4HYBsyRigKMrYHgBg&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1455&bih=649&dpr=1.1#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=ppEm1tcLQDsWdM%253A%3BHoiq8xzkzJxlAM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sleepdentists.com%252Fimages%252FInvisalign.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.sleepdentists.com%252Finvisalign.html%3B1688%3B677

Sources:

http://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works

https://www.google.com/search?q=invisalign+vs+braces&tbm=isch&imgil=XUGHWDXfdD2a-M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcRvBYeXNPP9sv-xb4J-Gtrx9qQymztXqkddcgUFH5qLhUDpEOs-Xw%253B620%253B350%253BKd_nANmUSaFf6M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.masriortho.com%25252Finvisalign-vs-braces&source=iu&usg=__PRQlvmHglFglwqVUOmV6SXSAbUQ%3D&sa=X&ei=8ZysU-6IHImDogSj7ICwAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CFEQ9QEwAg&biw=2133&bih=975&dpr=0.75#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=XUGHWDXfdD2a-M%253A%3BKd_nANmUSaFf6M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.masriortho.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F05%252Finvisalign-vs-braces.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.masriortho.com%252Finvisalign-vs-braces%3B620%3B350

https://www.google.com/search?q=invisalign+vs+braces&tbm=isch&imgil=XUGHWDXfdD2a-M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcRvBYeXNPP9sv-xb4J-Gtrx9qQymztXqkddcgUFH5qLhUDpEOs-Xw%253B620%253B350%253BKd_nANmUSaFf6M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.masriortho.com%25252Finvisalign-vs-braces&source=iu&usg=__PRQlvmHglFglwqVUOmV6SXSAbUQ%3D&sa=X&ei=8ZysU-6IHImDogSj7ICwAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CFEQ9QEwAg&biw=2133&bih=975&dpr=0.75#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=JTAejR9TeI5dYM%253A%3BfgICUBiM2Ty84M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.212smiling.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F02%252Fbody-1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.212smiling.com%252Fblog%252F2013%252F03%252Finvisalign-vs-braces-which-option-is-better-for-you%252F%3B607%3B171

Posted in Tooth Talk
Tagged aligners, Braces, clear braces, dental hygiene, dentist, hygiene, invisilign, mouth, smile, straight teeth, teeth, tooth, traditional braces
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August 5, 2014

HELP! I Need A Good Nights Sleep!

Kim McCrady RDH BS

I have been happily married for over 20 years to a wonderful man. In fact, he is the man of my dreams. The trouble is I am not doing much dreaming. You see, my knight in shining armor snores! He snores so much that I find it difficult to sleep. Each night, I stare at the blades of the ceiling fan. Almost in rhythm with each exhale and spin of the fan, my sweetie lets out a sound that makes me think Darth Vader lives with me.

Snoring can be more than an annoyance. It can be a sign of greater and or more serious medical problems. It is very important to see your medical doctor if you or your partner are complaining about snoring. Though a medical examination and possibly sleep studies, your medical team can determine if you are a candidate for appliances to help keep you healthy and properly rested.

However, if your medical team determines you are in good health, but just closely related to Darth Vader, your dental team can fabricate a small anti-snoring appliance. This comfortable appliance is worn completely inside the mouth and carefully repositions the lower jaw to allow for a more open airway during sleep. If you would like more information about snoring appliances, please contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Let’s all enjoy a Good Nights Sleep!

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