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It is usually said and found that old age brings in a lot of health problems that are later difficult to be solved. This also includes the dental problems that one might face. It is recently observed that a number of teeth and gum problems are assumed to occur mainly because of old age. But, if you observe it well, in the olden days, people had healthy teeth and gums even in their old age. This means that there is something else that has been affecting the dental health of people. A number of dentists in Little Rock have come up with a conclusion that the main factor that has been affecting the dental health of the people is the diet that they have been following.

The fast and busy lifestyle has now compelled people to be dependent on the food that is easily available in the markets. These foods are prepared using a lot of preservatives and also contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients. This causes the teeth to decay soon and thus bringing in people to get them treated. Although cosmetic dentistry has introduced a variety of techniques that can help keep the teeth looking white for a longer time, it is better to prevent such problems in the first place. The fluoride toothpastes that are now available to clean your teeth are also not that useful or beneficial for the teeth. It is a scientifically proven fact that fluoride is not good for our health. Let us take a look at some preventive measures that we can take in order to avoid Gum Pain and Tooth Decay.

1. Avoid the consumption of all processed foods. Processed sugars, flour and also food products that contain artificial colors and flavors like cola are bad for the teeth.
2. Avoid consumption of Soy milk, tofu, soy protein and unpasteurized milk as they cause tooth decay.
3. Drink lots of raw milk. Raw milk is a good source of nutrients such as calcium and phosphorous which are needed by the body and also for the healthy growth of teeth. Prefer drinking raw milk over pasteurized milk.
4. Replace your sugar with naturally available sugars. There are a number of naturally available sugars that are the extracts of berries and fruits. These forms usually do not contain chemicals and thus can replace sugar in your diet.
5. A food named CamuCamu is said to be the best food that can be consumed to prevent gum diseases. It contains high amounts of Vitamin C and also Bioflavonoids. It helps boost one’s immunity and thus prevents gum diseases.

These preventive measures when considered in your diet plan will surely help you prevent gum pain and tooth decay. Dentists have also stated Flossing to be an important activity to prevent such dental problems. Regular flossing will help maintain hygiene in the mouth and also help prevent serious dental problems.

Mangan Dental Group - Dr. Steve Mangan
2011 North Van Buren Street, Little Rock, AR 72207
(501)666-1188

While tooth erosion can’t be reversed, there are several treatments to help counteract and repair the damage.

Most of us will have some tooth erosion during our lifetime. The amount and severity will depend on how well we take care of our teeth, any oral habits we may have (smoking, chewing tobacco, eating a lot sweets and candy, etc.) and even our genetics – some people naturally excrete more plaque than others (a major cause of tooth erosion).

First a bit of background on the causes of tooth erosion:

Erosion occurs on a tooth’s enamel, the thin outer layer of a tooth.

Enamel actually is clear; the color of our teeth comes from the main part of the tooth, the dentin.

Our enamel protects our teeth from the wear and tear that naturally occurs living our day-to-day lives: eating, biting, grinding, etc. And, while enamel is very hard, it can crack and/or chip.

If the enamel becomes eroded – or if the tooth chips/cracks – that’s it. Damage done. Enamel has no living cells; our bodies can’t repair or replace it.

By far the best treatment for tooth erosion is prevention; regularly visit your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups.

Acid is by far the main culprit when it comes to tooth erosion: the acid found in many of the foods we eat and drink wears the enamel away over time.

Common foods and drinks we consume that erode enamel include:

• Soft drinks (the drinks contain a good deal of citric and phosphoric acids)
• Acid reflux disease (GERD)
• A diet that includes a lot of sugar and starches
• Fruit juice such as orange juice
• Medications such as antihistamines and even aspirin
• Dry mouth (low salivary flow found in those who have xerostomia)
• Inherited conditions (such as excessive plaque excretion)

Tooth enamel also erodes due to friction (via the natural use of your teeth biting, chewing, etc.), brushing your teeth too hard, flossing poorly, chewing tobacco, and biting on things you shouldn’t bite on (removing a bottle cap from a bottle, for example).

Plaque can sometimes cause tooth erosion because plaque transforms the starches found in food into acids and those acids can start to eat way (erode) the tooth enamel. Regular flossing and brushing (done correctly) can help keep plaque at bay and prevent it from leading to enamel erosion.

Treatments for tooth erosion include:

• Using a remineralizing gel that contains fluoride and phosphate when you brush your teeth. This can help restore minor erosion caused by acid erosion and day-to-day wear on teeth.
• Your dentist can place dental crowns as caps on your teeth if the erosion is moderate or extensive. Crowns restore your teeth to their original shape.
• Veneers can be bonded (glued) to the front of the affected teeth and can cover chipped, eroded, cracked, and even broken teeth. Veneers also help prevent further damage.

The best treatment for tooth erosion is prevention: watch the sodas, the sweets and juices. Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and removal of built-up plaque deposits. Good oral hygiene is the best defense when it comes to tooth erosion.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone needs a trustworthy good dentist. If you are looking for an experienced dentist or family dentist in Richmond Hill, Thornhill and North York with a friendly and professional staff, you can find the perfect balance of quality service and a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere at Centre Dental Office.

Dental care is one of the most critical health services. The state of your teeth is often indicative of your overall health. Earlier, people would not go to a dentist until they suffered from a tooth ache, injury or some kind of discomfort. However, owing to general health awareness, people are also making trips to dentists for routine check-ups. This is a good practice considering you can prevent dental diseases or treat them at an earliest sign. However, the purpose of maintaining a good dental health can only be accomplished if you have a good and qualified dentist. So, how to find a reliable and best dental clinic? Now, this one is a tricky question. Following pointers may assist you in finding a good dental center.

Know Your Needs?

The search for a good dentist will begin from your requirements. What kind of dental services are you looking for? Are you interested in routine dental check-up or looking for a more specialized service? If you need a dentist only for routine check-up or minor procedures, then it is better to look for a dental clinic that is closer to your home or workplace. For specialized treatments, it is worth going to the best dentist, even if it means traveling quite a few miles.  

Ask Friends, Relatives for Referrals

This is actually the most reliable way of finding a qualified dentist. Your friends or relatives would not recommend you a dentist unless they have had a good experience. Hence, this is usually a safer practice to choose a dental clinic. However, the recommended dentist may not always be in the same locality as you. If convenience is one of your criteria then you may have to extend your search out of your circle of friends and family.

Compare Different Dental Clinics

You may also check the internet or local newspapers for dentist recommendations. Although, this may not be a reliable option, it will give you ample choices to compare. Shortlist a few dental clinics based on your search. Book an appointment at this clinic and get some basic information such as:

• Qualification and experience of dentist.
• Level of expertise of the sub-staff.
• Whether they have specialized dentists for major procedures such as RCT, implants etc.
• What kind of facilities do they provide.
• What kind of after-care facilities do they provide? Are they free or paid?
• Cost estimation for services that you desire.

Depending upon the above factors you can zero-in upon a dentist or dental care center of your choice. Remember, the choice you make will directly affect your dental health.

In the past, orthodontics was routinely an early teen event that began once all of the baby teeth were gone and permanent teeth were in. Recent advances in the understanding of a child development as well as modern materials have re-evaluated the time for orthodontic treatment to an earlier age. It is now recommended by the American Association of Orthodontiststhat every child should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. But Why?

Common Orthodontic Problems Found At Age 7

1. Buck Teeth. Do the upper front teeth stick way out of line?

2. Deep Bite. Do the upper teeth cover the lower teeth?

3. Underbite. Do the upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth?

4. Open Bite. Do only the back teeth touch when biting down?

5. Crowded or overlapped teeth. Do the teeth have too much or too little space in certain areas?

6. Misaligned front teeth. Do the spaces between the upper two front teeth and lower two front teeth not line up?

7. Crossbite. Do the lower teeth fit properly inside the upper teeth?

8 .Missing teeth. If there are baby teeth that never developed, there will not be a permanent tooth to follow. Jaw x-rays may also find that certain permanent teeth are not  presently formed or are unable to come down on their own.

9. Extra teeth. When there are double teeth, extra teeth or malformed teeth.

Generally, orthodontic treatment does not begin at age 7 but it is good to get a head start to avoid any complications down the road. However, early orthodontic treatment may be necessary before age 7 if the following appear:

-Problems Speaking

-Proper Chewing Is Difficult

-Abnormal bite development

-Clicking or popping in the jaw

-Permanent teeth that are erutping into the mouth crowded or overlapped

-A thumb sucking problem

-A teeth grinding problem

-Issues biting cheeks or biting into the roof of the mouth

Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic evaluation provides both timely diagnosis of problems and increased opportunity for more effective treatment. Early intervention gives the ability to guide growth and development, preventing more serious issues later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Early orthodontic treatment is also referred to as interceptive treatment or Phase I treatment. Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment include the following:

-Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth

-Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth

-Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

-Preserving space for teeth that are coming in

-Reducing the need for tooth removal

-Reducing Phase II treatment time with braces

Phase II orthodontic treatment begins when all of the permanent teeth erupt and usually involves a full set of braces and not just a localized treatment plan.

Orthodontic Conclusion

While not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, it is best to know in advance what the options will be going forward. It is important to remember, orthodontics is not strictly a cosmetic endeavor, bite alignment is the ultimate goal. The issues presented above can all be corrected fairly easily if done in a phased approach. However, allowing this early intervention time to pass can complicate treatment requiring more extreme measures (i.e. teeth removal or surgery) to fulfill the same goal.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

K2 Dental and Medical is redefining how dentists purchase supplies and equipment for their practices. Through our state-of-the art online experience, we offer a complete selection of the newest dental equipment and supplies on the market. In record time and with the click of a mouse, you can get your dental instruments, tools, lab equipment and everything else you need for your busy practice. Our manufacturers include Tech West, Beaverstate, Tuttnauer, and many more. Visit our online store to learn more.

Some of the greatest pleasures of summer are the wonderful foods that become available during this season of fun in the sun: hot corn on the cob, salt water taffy, peanut brittle, kettle corn – they all scream summer fun.

But they can also do a real number on your teeth.

Read below for some typical foods freely available in the summer that can harm your teeth.

• Corn on the cob. As delicious as it is – freshly cooked and slathered in butter – corn on the cob should be avoided in the summer, especially if you have removable dentures or braces. Why? Because biting into the cob can loosen the dentures and/or get in between the denture and your gum, possibly causing an infection if you can’t get at the food particle to remove it. The same goes for braces: bits of corn get stuck in the braces and unless you brush your teeth immediately and thoroughly, the food bits can add to tartar and plaque, which could lead to cavities.

One of summer’s greatest pleasures is enjoying hot corn on the cob slathered in butter. But those kernels can be very unfriendly to your teeth.

• Kettle corn and Cracker Jack-like popcorn. A baseball game on a Sunday afternoon at the professional ballpark often isn’t a real baseball game without a hotdog, a soda and a bag of Cracker Jack candy. But the sticky Cracker Jack popcorn could chip a tooth and popcorn bits can fall between teeth with possible results as described above.
• Peanut brittle. This delicious candy can be very hard to bite upon, risking the danger of a chipped tooth.
• Salt water taffy and extremely chewy candy bars such as Abba-Zaba. We’re not out to pick on particular brands, but taffy-like candy bars such as Abba-Zaba can be so hard to pull a bite from that, if your teeth are even a bit loose, could help loosen them a whole lot more. Taffy and even gum should be avoided by those wearing braces – it’s too easy for the gooey stuff to get caught in the wires.
• Whole apples. There’s little that’s more refreshing than biting into a tart green or red apple on a hot day. The problem is, if you wear braces or dentures, a firm apple can wreak havoc on your teeth.
• Soda drinks. As with apples, enjoying a nice cold glass of cola or other soda is just delicious on a hot summer afternoon. But the citric, carbonic and phosphoric acids in the sodas over time can erode your tooth enamel.

We certainly don’t want to be a summertime Scrooge and tell you that you absolutely shouldn’t enjoy these delicious foods at all. But forewarned is fore-armed: decide for yourself. Certainly having the occasional box of Cracker Jack or an Abba-Zaba bar won’t do too much – if any damage.

What’s more, it’s often easy to make just a few adjustments in order to enjoy summer’s delicious bounty. You could, for example, remove the corn kernels from the cob before eating. Cut the apple into slices. Cut a taffy bar or peanut brittle into really small pieces, and so on.

You should indulge in the glorious foods of summer; we’re just advising that you be careful not to overindulge.

Image courtesy of phasinphoto/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Periodontal Disease – is a progressive inflammatory disease, that affects the tissues that support and anchor the teeth. These support tissues include, gums, bone, cementum, and ligament attachments.

The main area in which periodontal disease is diagnosed and treated is in “the pocket”. The pocket is the unattached tissue between the tooth and gum, measured with a tiny ruler-like instrument called a periodontal probe. A healthy tooth generally has pocket measurements of 0-3 mm, whereas diseased tissue can be 4-15 mm deep, ( The deeper the pocket, the more difficult to fully clean). The measurements vary in what they measure, for example, in Gingivitis measurements indicate how swollen the tissue is, while in Periodontitis, the measurements indicate the loss of bone and gum tissue. If  left untreated,periodontal disease results in the destruction of the support structure, bacteria growth down into pockets, toxin release (to breakdown attachments),  loosening of teeth, and subsequent tooth loss.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is said to affect over 50% of all Americans. Periodontal disease advances in 4 stages:

1. Gingivitis- Swollen, red, inflamed gum tissue. There has not been loss of attachment at this stage. Reversible with proper hygiene.

2. Early Periodontitis- Less than 25% attachment loss, as determined by x-ray and measurement with a probe.

3. Moderate Periodontitis-25-50% attachment loss as determined above.

4. Advanced Periodontitis-50% or more attachment loss.

Periodontal disease can be reversible in its earliest form. This form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. But if the periodontal disease progresses to periodontitis then the damage is not reversible by the body on its own. Patients and dentists alike are always looking for ways to combat periodontal disease with newer and better ways to treat the disease and maintain good oral hygiene at home. The tried and true home methods have generally consisted of varying types and techniques with  tooth brushing, flossing, and antibacterial rinses. All of these methods have the same limiting factor, none of the at home methods could target the deeper pockets of 5 mm and above, until a new product was formulated in conjunction with the waterpik utilizing a special tip which places a tartar dissolving liquid  directly where it is needed. This new rinse is called Periogen.

What Does Periogen Do to Fight Against Periodontal Disease?

Periogen is a patented oral rinse that has been proven capable of dissolving tartar buildup between professional cleanings and dentist visits. Periogen works by exploiting a weakness (discovered by the research team at the Periogen Company) in the fundamental structure  of oral tartar, and its adhesive nature.

Tartar (or calculus as it is sometimes called) can be found above and below the gum line. Tartar above the gum line is referred to as supra gingival tartar and tartar below the gum line is referred to as sub gingival tartar. Dental Tartar is comprised almost entirely of Calcium Phosphate Salt. Calcium Phosphate is the basic component of tooth material. Calcium phosphate salt differs from calcium phosphate in its electron structure. The calcium phosphate salt has two less electrons than the calcium phosphate which makes it electrically unstable. This process of losing electrons happens in nature all the time. The best comparison is the buildup of lime deposits in water pipes and faucets. Microscopically, tartar is layer upon layer (can be in the tens of thousands layers) of fossilized bacteria trapped between the calcium salts.

The tartar causes periodontal disease by toxins released by the bacteria in plaque and tartar on teeth. The toxins cause the body to react by starting the inflammatory

Periogen Oral rinse for Dissolving Tartar Between Professional Cleanings

process thereby destroying healthy gum tissue and supporting bone structures. Periodontal disease is progressive and without periodontal disease treatment will lead to tooth loss and infections throughout the mouth.

Periogen is used as an oral rinse 1-2 times per day between professional cleanings to reduce the level of tartar buildup and stain. This will in turn make for an easier dental visit but also maintain a healthier state in your mouth for your teeth and gums to heal. Periogen should in no way replace brushing and flossing, or visits to the dentist but just works as an accessory between professional dental cleanings to give you a more effective way to reduce tartar and fight periodontal disease .

Periogen Conclusion

As you know, there are many methods and products on the market to aide you in your dental hygiene and combat periodontal disease. Remember this, “The best  offense is a good defense!”.   It is up to you to find and decide what works best for you to prevent periodontal.disease. Visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and professional cleanings to ward off dental problems and stay healthy.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Reposted From Dentistry IQ

A beautiful smile is important to many. With so many adults in our practices with misaligned teeth, shouldn't cosmetic orthodontics become a bigger part of your treatment planning? In the past, many adults were afraid to wear orthodontic braces because they were either embarrassed to wear brackets or did not want to spend the time and money. Cosmetic orthodontics has addressed these concerns. Below you will see some common questions and fears about cosmetic orthodontics, which can help you help your patients with their concerns.

“I’m just too old for braces. Braces are for kids.”
When your patients make statements like these, they expect you to agree with them. Instead, you should take this opportunity to reassure your patients that it is never too late to have the smile they have always wanted. There is no age limit for adults with a healthy periodontal condition to undergo orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic orthodontics lets you have the perfect smile you have always wanted without putting your life on hold. These new options allow you to look great throughout treatment. FACT: One out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult.

“I’ve already had braces; won’t they just move again?”
Explaining to a patient the importance of retention after movement is key. If they understand why that fixed retainer or clear stent needs to be worn during bone fill after movement and that they need to be continually monitored at each recall appointment, they are more likely to be compliant with their retention. For many, they need to understand retention as a protection of their investment.

“Braces take too long.”
For many adults, cosmetic orthodontics can be completed in as little as six months. Depending upon the appliances used and the amount of movement required, treatment can be quite short in length. When addressed in this manner, a patient should understand that treatment may be completed by the time of the next recall visit.

“Orthodontic treatment is painful.”
There is a huge difference between discomfort and pain. All appliances take some getting used to, but it is only for a matter of months. Most of the discomfort is short-lived, lasting a few days after an adjustment appointment. Some of the discomfort has to do with the metal aspects, which may poke or pinch, but this can be reduced drastically with a quick application of wax. In general, the discomfort does not get past the point where a Tylenol does not bring relief.

“Orthodontic braces make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Will this cause cavities?"
Good oral hygiene will take a bit more attention than it did before appliances were in place, but is very manageable with the right tools. Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, fluoride rinses, and threader floss can make it much easier to keep everything clean and cavity-free.

“Isn’t it expensive?”
Your patients need to understand that cosmetic orthodontics is usually the most conservative way to fix a cosmetic issue. Very often, the need for full bonding or veneers may reduce to just a few teeth or none. It may also be the only way to achieve optimal cosmetic dentistry results. The cost factor can be overcome using payment plans through your dentist or using a third-party provider such as CareCredit.

Cosmetic orthodontics conclusion
Whether you practice limited orthodontic movement in your office or not, cosmetic orthodontics should be offered as a treatment option for patients who would benefit from it. Orthodontic treatment can transform your patients' smiles and attitudes about their dental health. You will be surprised at the positive results and referrals!

Marielaina Perrone DDS, is a family, cosmetic, and implant dentist creating and enhancing beautiful smiles in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Cosmetic Dentist Las Vegas

Herbal Supplements - are made from natural plants and are utilized by some people to supplement traditional medical treatments. Herbal supplements are not considered

Be Smart About Herbal Supplements

drugs and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Agency (FDA). This absence of regulation means that the effectiveness, quality, and quantity of the ingredients have not been independently verified.

Herbal supplements have become a billion dollar industry with many people taking herbal supplements for a variety of ailments. But did you know that whether you take echinacia or aspirin you should always tell your dentist or physician what you are taking?

Everything you ingest, even vitamins, causes a certain reaction in the body. If your dentist does not know what drugs or herbal supplements you have taken, he or she will not know how to protect you from drug interactions. This is particularly important if you are undergoing any type of surgical treatment requiring general anesthesia.

Conventional Drugs Vs Herbal Supplements

Many prescription and over the counter drugs sold around the world are derived from plants but they are very different from herbal supplements. The prescription and over the counter medications must be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and undergo rigorous testing before coming to market. Even though, these drugs are derived from plants they are based around an active ingredient or chemical that the manufacturer synthesizes in a laboratory.

Herbal supplements are made from natural chemicals extracted from a plant and are produced either in original form (sometimes in combination with other herbal extracts) or refined. When an herbal medication is refined, the essential extract is taken out of the plant source, concentrated and then added back to make the original herbal medication more potent.

 Herbal Supplements and How They are Thought to Benefit Oral Health:

-Coenzyme Q10 promotes gum healing and cell growth.

-Lysine combats canker sores

-Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids promotes healing, especially of bleeding gums.

-Calcium and Magnesium help prevent bone loss around the gums.

-Vitamins A and E are used for healing gum tissue.

-Grape Seed Extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

-Zinc plus Copper enhances immune function.

-Aloe Vera Gel eases inflamed gums and soothes the tissues when applied directly to the affected area.

-Tea Tree Oils are believed to be antiseptic and anti fungal.

-Chamomile Tea is soothing to gum tissues.

-Green Tea is helpful in decay prevention and decreases plaque, increased antioxidants.

-Clove Oil is good for temporary relief of tooth and gum pain.

-Echinacea keeps inflammation down and enhances immune function.

Interactions to Avoid

Even seemingly harmless vitamin and herbal supplements can have serious side effects for certain dental patients. The following are some combinations of herbal supplements to be aware of:

-Ginkgo biloba and vitamin E can be dangerous when taken with aspirin because they each can act as blood thinners. The combination may cause difficulties in blood clotting, which could be serious for patients undergoing any type of oral surgery (such as a tooth extraction or periodontal surgery).

-Taking high dosages of vitamins before receiving anesthesia can also create issues. In particular, vitamin C, often taken in high dosages for cancer treatment, can weaken the efficiency of anesthesia.

-On the other hand, calming supplements, such as Kava Kava or St. John’s Wort, can strengthen the effects of anesthesia.

-Homemade tea tree supplements should be avoided, as they can cause irritation and burning.

Herbal Supplements And Dentistry Conclusion

People tend to think herbal supplements are harmless because they are considered natural, and they think, if one is good, 10 are better. Overdoing it, with supposedly safe herbal supplements, can cause health problems as serious as internal bleeding and heart arrhythmia. That is why it is so important to let your dentist and physician know when you are taking any herbal supplements to avoid any possible drug interactions or unforeseen consequences.

Always provide your dentist with a complete medical history, including any herbal supplements and conventional drugs you are taking. Some patients who take alternative herbal supplements are afraid their physician or dentist will not understand their decision to take an herbal supplement and will advise them to stop taking it. Your physician or dentist might even recommend an alternative, herbal solution for you.

If an herbal medication could interfere with your dental treatment, your dentist may ask you to stop taking the medication until the treatment is complete. The dentist also may be able to prescribe a different drug for treatment, if one is available. As always visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and regular professional cleanings to keep your dental health.

© 2013, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Summer is just around the corner which means school is out and traveling for many families. It is easy to overlook dental hygiene when on the road and forget to pack the essentials to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Below you will find some essentials to pack to ensure you keep up your dental hygiene while having fun on the road.

Dental Hygiene Essentials To Pack

-New Toothbrush. Start fresh and bring a new toothbrush on your trip. Then simply throw it out at the end of the vacation.

-Toothbrush Holder. This is a simple and cheap way to maintain a sanitary environment for your toothbrush.

-Travel Sized Mouthwash and Toothpaste. Not only will these follow the newer TSA regulations for air travel, they will make it easier to pack as well.

-Sugar Free Gum (preferably one with Xylitol). Being on the road it is not always easy to brush after meals or snacks. Keeping gum with you will allow you to freshen your breath and keep your mouth as clean as possible.

-Pain Medication. This can include Motrin or Aleve. Nice to have in case of a dental emergency while on vacation.

-Wax. Another good item to have in case of a dental emergency. If you accidentally chip a tooth, the wax can be used to cover the jagged edge of the tooth.

-Floss. Do not forget to floss at least once per day.

-Package of Colgate Wisps. This handy dental hygiene tool acts as toothbrush as well as a toothpick. These can help remove foreign objects lodged between your teeth.

-Plastic sandwich or freezer bag. Ever open your suitcase to find a tube of toothpaste or mouthwas exploded all over your clothes? It’s not a pleasant surprise. This can be prevented by putting your dental hygiene products in a sealed plastic bag.

-Electric Toothbrush/Charger. If you use an electric toothbrush make sure to pack the entire kit including the charger so you do not run out of juice while traveling.

-Waterpik Flosser Travel Size. The waterpik is an excellent adjunct to any dental hygiene program. If this is a product you use at home, then you would not want to leave without it.

Dental Hygiene Tips While Traveling

-Do not forget to brush after every meal. If you are unable to brush immediately, rinse with water after every meal.

-Limit snacking.

-Carry sugar free gum with xylitol to chew if you are unable to brush.

-Always brush and floss before bed.

Dental Hygiene Conclusion

Maintaining dental hygiene on the road can be quite challenging. Carrying your routine on the road is essential to stave off any dental issues down the road.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

While it’s normal for a child to lose their teeth, the same cannot be said for an adult. Tooth loss might just be the result of serious tooth decay or an infection. In such cases, you should always consult a good dental implant specialist, who can provide the best care needed for your dental structure.

In case of a tooth loss, the best treatment is a dental implant. However, before getting into dental implants, you need to understand the consequences of a tooth loss.

• The chewing of food is affected due to the gaps in the dental structure, which results in many digestive problems as the stomach is not able to dissolve solid food properly.
• Every tooth in the dental structure has its own function and when a person loses some of their teeth, the others bear the brunt of chewing and grinding. This causes weakening of the other teeth due to the pressure.
• A lost tooth impinges the smile and the self esteem of a person, causing anxiety and self-consciousness.
• Many people do not like to venture outside, as they consider a tooth loss a social embarrassment.
• Clarity of speech not only depends on the tongue, but also on your dental structure. The gaps in the structure due to a tooth loss can cause serious speech issues.
• A lost tooth also pressurizes the jaw line, as it becomes the only medium of support for the face muscles. Many dental patients suffer from a stiff jaw due to tooth loss.

Facts about Dental Implants

It has been seen that 90% of dental patients who visit a dental implant specialist know very little about dental implants. Although, it is the duty of the doctor to guide a patient, there are times when certain basic details about the procedure are overlooked.

A few important facts about dental implants are:

• Although you will find different options for tooth restoration in dentistry, only dental implants look and feel like real teeth.
• Made of titanium, dental implants actually replace the root of the lost tooth, which serves as an anchor for the replaced one.
• Your implant cannot get a cavity; but this should not give you a reason not to follow a healthy and regular oral hygiene.
• Owing to their good support, dental implants preserve the bone health of the dental structure and help in its growth.

Need to know after effects and precautions for a dental implant procedure

With clinical and medical enhancements in dentistry, a dental implant procedure has become almost painless. Your dental implant specialist will conduct various sessions in order to educate you about the procedure in a proper manner.

Post dental implant, it is necessary to follow the instructions of your dental implant specialist. However, knowing the below mentioned precautions and after effects will help you relax a little.

• Swelling and bruising of the surrounding area may occur after the procedure, which is completely normal. However, if you have severe pain as well, you should consult your dentist.
• The crampy tenderness in the gums will remain for 2-6 days after the surgery as the gums and dental structure get used to the foreign body.
• Although your dental implant specialist will take every precaution to ensure less bleeding after the implant surgery, sometimes a little oozing can continue for the next 24 hours. In order to stop that you need to put some gentle pressure on the gauze in your mouth for one hour after surgery.
• Maintaining proper and regular oral hygiene is necessary for implant patients. Your dentist will advise you to rinse your mouth every 4-6 hours with salt water for the next two weeks.
• Avoid brushing the operated area as that might disrupt the stitches. Also, if you find any gumboil in the surgical area, you need to consult your dentist immediately.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking completely during the healing process.  

In order to initiate a proper healing process, it is imperative that you visit your dental implant specialist. He or she can check the progress of your healing and recommend changes in routine medicines, if required. 

Are you happy with your smile? If yes, don’t feel that you are “The One”, as research on smile evaluation shows that 80% of us are dissatisfied with our smile. With the age, people see the color changes of their teeth, chips, cracks or areas of tooth wear that makes you older than you are, do you have a gummy smile or are you self-conscious of crooked teeth or do you have gaps between teeth. Are you facing any of the dental problems mentioned above? If yes, then cosmetic dentistry will be the answer of your dental problems.

In contrast with traditional dentistry of oral hygiene, diagnosing & treating oral disease, Cosmetic dentistry is a dental treatment related with improving the appearance of teeth, its proper functioning and enhance your smile in order to restore your self-esteem or confidence of life.

With the technological advancement in dental industry, today’s Cosmetic dental treatments are more durable and produced desired result in order to preserve your natural tooth structure. Cosmetic dentistry uses such technologies i.e. lasers to perform some of dental procedure in order to makeover your dazzling smile.

Cosmetic dental procedures include followings :

• Teeth Bleaching & Teeth Whitening
• Composite Bonding
• Matching Tooth filing to repair Chips, Cracks or Rough Stops
• Aligning Teeths by reshaping them with other teeth
• Removing gaps between Teeths
• Restoring broken teeth by porcelain crown
• Inlays & Onlays
• Porcelain & Composite Veneers
• Porcelain Bridgework
• Dental Implants
• Clear Orthodontic Aligners
• Cosmetic Gum Surgery
• Tooth-Colored Fillings

What Is Hypersensitivity Of Teeth?

Sharp pain in response to various stimuli like HEAT, COLD, CHEMICALS etc... This condition is called Dentin Hypersensitivity.

Dentin Hypersensitivity is fairly common condition with between 8-35%of the population being affected. Adults in the age group of 20-50 years are the most affected with the peak of 20-50 years.

CAUSES OF HYPERSENSITIVITY

Sensitivity occurs due to loss of enamel (outer most layer of crown structure) or cementum (outer most layer of root structure) which leads to the exposure of the underlying dentin. So the main reason of sensitivity is exposure of dentin.

It happens with several reasons like

Faulty tooth brushing habits: Excessive tooth brushing or brushing with wrong method causes loss of enamel and may cause loosing of gums (gingival recession) which may cause sensitivity.

Dietary habits: Excessive amount of oral acids like soda, fruit juice, swimming pool chlorine etc. Even faulty food habits like having lots of food in short time (BULIMIA) also causes sensitivity.

Maintenance of oral hygiene: Due to improper cleaning of mouth there will be accumulation of plaque & food debris which may cause gum diseases. Enlarged & swollen gums allow the plaque to retain in the junction of gums & tooth.

TREATMENT OF HYPERSENSITIVIY

Patient’s education: By: Dietary counselling

: Proper tooth brushing technique

: Plaque control & oral hygiene maintenance.

Formation of smear layer over exposed dentin.

Use of topical agents: To occlude n lock the exposed tubules of dentin.

E.g.: Fluorides, dentin adhesive, varnishes.

Placement of restorations: E.g.: Glass ionomer cement

 : Composite resins.

Use of lasers: CO2 lasers

 : Nd:YAG,Er:YAG lasers

 : He:Ne lasers.

As lasers are quite expensive every patient can’t effort the treatment & it is not easily available to frequent clinics or hospitals.

 There are many tooth pastes available to get relief from sensitivity E.g.: Colgate sensitive, Sensoform, Sensodyne etc…

Special types of tooth brushes are also available for sensitive teeth.

Visit Web Dentist for more information on dental health and care tips.

As an experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, I have the privilege of being involved with the California CareForce (CCF) Clinic, which began through my affiliation with the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CALOMS). I have always felt strongly that it is important to help those in need and organizations like CCF make getting involved easy. 

We are incredibly fortunate as Americans to live in a wealthy country where we have much more than others; however, it’s important to always keep in mind that there are still many people here at home whose needs are left unmet. In my practice, we often care for patients with limited resources from local hospitals and clinics, and that is why I feel such a close connection to CCF’s mission. They set up clinics in areas where people have the greatest unmet needs and deliver healthcare services to patients who would otherwise not have access.

The CCF Clinic, hosted at the Riverside County Fairgrounds from April 3-6, provided a unique platform for Remote Area Medical USA (RAMUSA), California CareForce, Goldenvoice, the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CALAOMS), the Flying Doctors, and a number of other professional and non-professional volunteers to offer much-needed services to more than 2,000 patients. While over $1 million in services were provided by hundreds of highly skilled medical professionals, they were complimentary for patients at the Clinic thanks to the support of CCF, whose mission is to provide free health, dental and vision care to Californians.

This particular experience in the Coachella Valley was perhaps one of my most memorable, as I left my clinic on Friday, one of my busiest workdays, I flew from Oakland to Ontario, California, rented a car, and drove two hours to Indio – a remote location in the middle of the desert. When I arrived at the clinic early the next morning (6 a.m.), patients were already waiting in line for services, as they had either camped out overnight or arrived early that morning to be treated.

As I scanned the crowd, I could see that these patients came from all walks of life and I found it incredibly rewarding to work with them. They weren’t homeless or drug addicts or even terribly underprivileged – they were just like anyone else. They were simply there because they could not afford a new pair of glasses or have their teeth filled or pulled on their own. These patients quietly suffer, hoping someone will help them get what they need to better themselves and improve their life. Looking at them made it impossible not to take a step back and realize that we are just one major illness or catastrophic event away from being in their exact position!

My primary role at the clinic was to extract teeth, so I spent a majority of my time there pulling the teeth of patients suffering from pain and infections. After a full day of pulling teeth, I drove back to the airport, flew back to Oakland and drove back home, arriving around 10:30pm that day. As I settled in to my warm bed at home that night, visions of the many different faces I saw that day made me realize that we are so fortunate to be in the position we’re in. Seeing how a procedure as simple as extracting a tooth truly made a difference in someone’s life was incredibly rewarding, and I would go through the same process all over again to get the opportunity to help someone in need.   

For more information about Santa Rosa Oral Surgery, visit www.santarosaoralsurgery.com.

You broke a tooth? The dentist is suggesting the root canal treatment or dental implants. Before finalizing the treatment, the biggest challenge is the lifespan of the proposed restoration. How long will the restoration last? What will happen if it fails?

Why to choose Dental Implants

With considering the mathematical solution, there are multiple ways to solve a problem. As well, there are multiple options to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Dental implant is an advanced medical technology which provide an excellent choice to conventional treatment of a dental bridge for the treatment of tooth loss or a full denture.

In dental implants, a titanium implant is anchored in the toothless area of the jawbone. The jawbones fuses with titanium surface to provide a strong anchorage for implants. In contrast, the adjacent teeth are not modified to fill the gap created due to tooth loss. It decreases the stress exerted on adjacent teeth as it absorbs the load generated during normal chewing. Ultimately, it is long term solution for a dental replacement and having less chances of developing TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems.

Benefits of Dental implants

• It can last a lifetime and doesn’t require replacement, if maintained properly.

• It heals those dental problems which are untreatable in conventional dental methods of dental bridges and denture.

• It prevents further resorption of jawbone.

• It restores chewing function perfectly.

• It avoids cutting down and overloading the natural teeth occurring in conventional treatment.

• It restore the self-confidence of the patient as it gives the feeling of regaining the ‘Real Tooth’.

• It functions better than dental bridge and dentures.

• It gives esthetically pleasing result.

Prime Complications during Dental Implants procedure

• It can fail to integrate with bone and come out.

• It can fracture or break.

• It may have problem with connection between the implants and final crown.

• It can be an expensive treatment

• As a result of dental implants, there is possibility of  Infection or an inflammatory condition in the soft tissue or bone.

• There is also possibility of nerve damage in the lower jaw and damage to the maxillary sinus or the nasal cavity.

All of these complications are accounted less than 5% during the dental implants procedure and usually be corrected easily.

Apart from these complications, the dental implants is still provide superior function, stability and esthetic results. It is the best alternative in the wide range of dental treatment options available.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you’ve lost – or are definitely going to lose – one or more of your adult teeth, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. After all, false teeth such as dentures have to be removed regularly from your mouth for cleaning. Many people don’t like the feeling of the “impermanence” of these types of false teeth.

A dental implant, in contrast, is an artificial tooth root that a dentist places into your jaw to support a bridge or replacement tooth. Once surgery is complete, they feel and look like real teeth.

Basically, there are two different types of implants: endosteal (in the bone) and subperiosteal (on the bone).

Subperiosteal implants are put on the top of the jaw.  The posts of the metal frameworks protrude through the gum in order to hold the false tooth. Fast, subperiosteal implants are best for patients who can’t wear conventional dentures and whose bone height is minimal.

Endosteal are the most common type of implants. The different types include blades, cylinders and screws that your dentist places via surgery into the jaw bone. Each of these implants holds at least one, sometimes more, prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is ideal for individuals who wear – or can wear – removable dentures and/or bridges.

Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even all of your teeth.

Can YOU Get Dental Implants?

An experienced implant dentist will need to examine you thoroughly to see if you’re a candidate and, if so, which type of implant would be best for you. Generally, however, if you’re health is good, your oral hygiene is good, you have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant, and if your gum tissue is healthy, you should be able to have dental implants.

Important note: because implants are connected with bone and gum tissue, seriously consider working with an experienced periodontist when it comes to getting dental implants. Periodontists specialize in gum and bone issues and they also have the experience to ensure your implants look and feel as real as possible.  You can work with a dentist as well as with a periodontist, or you can find a periodontist who offers dental implants.

As you look for an implant dentist you’ll want to be sure he or she has had a minimum of 300 or more hours of postdoctoral/continuing education in both endosteal and subperiosteal implants. He or she also should be certified in dental implants.

While cost probably will be a factor, beware of going with the least-expensive dental implant practitioner. Your comfort factor with the doctor should also be noted – you’re going to be spending a lot of time in his or her office and so you should feel at ease in the facility and interacting with the dentist’s team members.

If you are interested in finding out if you are a good candidate for dental implants or have any questions feel free to contact the office of Dr. Brent Cornelius at (817) 431-4200 or visit our website at www.brentcornelius.com today!

Image courtesy of cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Insufficient room?...Try Full contour zirconia crown...with minimal layering ...for better glazing sake.

Another great All-on-4 dental implant case with computer guided surgery in partnership with Ira and Brandon Dickerman of Dickerman Dental Prosthetics!  The patient was scanned in a Carestream CS 9300 CBCT scanner while wearing a surgical/diagnostic guide with radiopaque teeth.  With that information, the virtual implants and other components are located within the prosthesis and bone during an online treatment planning conference session with the doctor and lab technician.  The locking pins are also located which will stabilize the guide on the arch during surgery. 

This case was set up for the use of Nobel Biocare NobelReplace Conical Connection implants which provide maximum stability due to the tapered body design, and crestal bone preservation due to the horizontal "platform shift" of the restorative table.  Of course, the proprietary NobelBiocare surgical kit must be used for the implants in this particular case.  However, any dental implant that is designed for guided surgery may be used, per the choice of the surgeon, as long as that manufacturer's guided surgery kit is utilized.

The surgery typically involves minimal discomfort for the patient and can be completed in significantly less time than conventional implant surgery.

These cases are cost-effective, durable, and esthetic, which vastly improves the quality of our patients' lives.

Cary Feuerman, DMD

Periodontal Associates

Newton and Framingham, MA

My partner, Giovanni Castellucci, and I have been placing dental implants in our periodontal practice for over 27 years. In the early days, the Branemark "hybrid" prosthesis was the standard of care for restoration of fully edentulous patients with five or six implant fixtures. We followed the traditional two-stage protocol and our patients enjoyed tremendously successful outcomes which have improved their quality of life. However, as time progressed, the hybrid prosthesis became less popular as more conventional PFM fixed restorations were fabricated on custom abutments.

In recent years, we have seen a resurgence of the use of the hybrid prosthesis with the "All-On-4" Immediate Dental Implant (Teeth in a Day) protocol. Now, we successfully restore fully edentulous arches on four implant fixtures on the same day that the hopeless teeth are removed, oftentimes without the need for bone grafts. Our patients are thrilled with the results, and the functional and esthetic benefits are instant.

When speaking with many of our restorative colleagues in Boston, Newton, Framingham, and the Metrowest communities, I occasionally hear them say "my practice doesn't have edentulous patients", or "we don't make dentures". This would imply that the demographic profile of these practices does not include a major component of the general population. Yet, we know that millions (if not billions) of dollars are spent annually on denture adhesives, and that the national dental clinics that focus on denture fabrication are thriving. And, let us not forget that many people with hopeless teeth due to severe gum disease or decay oftentimes avoid treatment because of fear of having to wear a complete removable denture. The "All-On-4" treatment is the perfect solution for these patients as they can have their natural teeth replaced by non-removable, fixed implant-supported teeth on the same day in one dental appointment.

In our practice, we see "All-On-4" patients from all communities, even the most affluent. After all, dental and periodontal diseases do not discern one community from another. With this in mind, we urge all clinicians to "open their eyes" to the benefits of immediate dental implant restorations as another tool to help enhance the lives of our patients.

Have any of you had similar experiences? Please share them with the community.

Cary Feuerman, DMD
PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES
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