Dental Info

Stop the presses! The news is out. Everyone needs to understand the facts. And all healthcare professionals need to connect the dots, including all those dentists and medical doctors out there. The news is simply this: Your gut has everything to do with the manifestation of periodontal disease (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This research is still new to many dentists and traditional healthcare providers, but the news is spreading. An increased risk of autoimmune responses like those in RA is a big deal, particularly in otherwise healthy individuals. Current Medical Science, Gut Health, & History Sometimes, science proves that what was thought to be untrue in the past to be true now. Sometimes, science proves things that were thought to be true in the past to ultimately be untrue in the future. And sometimes, what was thought to be true hundreds of years ago (but lost its impact over time) becomes the newest news today. Specifically, some medical research today is un...

A lot of healthy lifestyle choices benefit more than one system within your body. Eating well, exercising, good sleep, and fresh air all support a lot of your physical needs. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that what hurts one area of your health can easily hurt another area, too. An important (though less known) connection in your health systems is the connection between oral hygiene and heart health . Heart Disease Your mouth is home to countless kinds of bacteria. Most of these bacteria are normal and good, but some may put you at a higher risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease. Heart disease is an umbrella term that covers a wide array of less-than-desirable conditions in your heart and its connecting vessels. Your heart muscle, valves, and rhythm can all be affected by heart disease. If something prevents your heart and blood vessels from working properly, the consequences can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to know how your oral health and other lifestyle factors can ...

You’ve been hearing it for years – “make sure to visit Dr. Cimino twice a year for your regular cleanings.” Just in case you’ve ever wondered why regular dental cleanings are so important , Modern Smile Center would like to take this opportunity to let patients in on some information you don’t often hear. Let this article serve as your personal guide to the benefits of getting your teeth cleaned. Why You Should Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned Unfortunately, some folks believe that visiting the dentist is unnecessary as long as you brush and floss regularly. That just isn’t the case. In addition to keeping your teeth clean and healthy, regular visits to our hygienists ensure that we can have a good look at your pearly whites and make sure nothing is wrong. If you don’t come in for cleanings, you’ll only need more expensive work later in life. Here are a few reasons to get your teeth cleaned: Tartar – We’ve all heard of plaque, but what about tartar? And no, not like the s...

Parents face many decisions, even before their baby makes an appearance—but once that bundle of joy arrives, one important choice is whether to use a pacifier. Babies have a natural reflex to suck their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects to help them feel more secure, to soothe them, or to lull them to sleep. If you decide your little bundle of joy needs a binky for a bit, Dr. Caroline Ceneviz recommends an orthodontic pacifier. What is an Orthodontic Pacifier? Orthodontic pacifiers are specifically designed to help alleviate misaligned teeth and orthodontic issues as baby teeth come in. The nipple of an orthodontic pacifier supports the shape of the developing jaw and palate. When the baby sucks, the orthodontic pacifier mimics the shape of a mother’s nipple, reducing pressure on gums and developing teeth and promoting a natural sucking motion. Some orthodontic pacifiers are even constructed to feel soft enough to avoid irritation of their delicate baby skin. Research in...

Dr. David Nisenboym is passionate about finding ways to improve the patient experience and achieve lasting results when it comes to the health and appearance of your smile. This requires continuous learning and investing in the types of advanced technologies that will stand the test of time—because keeping up with trends can be exciting, but optimal oral wellness and the overall health it contributes to will always be in style. So, without further ado, we’d love to introduce you to one of Blue Wave Dental ‘s favorites—the Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scan, Cone Beam CT for short (and CBCT for shortest). What the heck is the CBCT? Oh, just a piece of equipment that has revolutionized dental treatment! Does this Machine Possess Magical Powers? While CBCT scans do provide superb detail to a point that could make it seem we have the gift of prescience, a great deal of thanks is owed to scientific progress. We think our patients will appreciate the many benefits of CBCT scans. Wonder...

Ah, nighttime… the end of the day, the ceasing of work, and hopefully a good night’s sleep. But did you know things are still happening in your mouth all night long, even if you’re blissfully unaware of it? The St. Augustine dentists of Gordon Dental Associates sheds some light on the world of your mouth and everything going on inside of it while you catch some zzz’s. Dry Mouth You produce much less saliva overnight than you do during the day—your body’s way of minimizing the risk of choking. This leads to the common occurrence of dry mouth . Dry mouth can be a bit uncomfortable and lead to more cavities and bad breath. It’s perfectly fine and normal to have less saliva at night but to take care of your oral health, it’s important that you brush and floss before going to bed. Saliva usually rinses away the food debris that can stick around and cause plaque and bad breath, so it’s a good idea to head to bed with a blank canvas. Keeping a glass of water by your bed can relieve the ...

Some foods will help you grow healthy teeth and keep them forever. Some foods will prevent you from growing healthy teeth, or harm the ones you already have. You can grow and maintain strong, healthy teeth by eating a diet that your mouth (and your body) will truly love . But do you know what foods to avoid for a healthy mouth? Wagner Dental would like to share that information with you today! Diet is Everything The word “diet” has earned a bad reputation over the years as a verb that means eating less to lose weight, but diet is also a noun and a powerful way you can give yourself the best life possible. Your diet is simply the food you eat, and most of us are trying our best to eat wholesome food with just a few sweet treats here and there. Good food sets the stage for a healthy life. Nutrition is vital for growing healthy muscles and bones. And guess what—your teeth are bones, too! Good nutrition helps your body fight infections that cause decay and disease in your mouth and th...

The prevalence of oral cancer in America is increasing, with an estimated 49,750 people being diagnosed in 2017 alone. Of those newly diagnosed individuals, it is projected that only 57% will live 5 years beyond receiving the news. Oral cancer will cause almost 10,000 deaths annually, equating to nearly 1 person per hour. These statistics are a lot to digest and can cause quite a bit of fear. This fear might be elevated when we look at the reason oral cancer death rates are high—not because it’s more difficult to remove, but because it’s usually discovered in late stage. This makes sense knowing that only 14-18% of dentists in the United States screen for oral cancer. That’s right, 14-18%. However, Portland dentist Dr. David Case wants to provide you with peace of mind by educating you on what to look for and screening you for oral cancer regularly. Read on to learn more and feel free to give us a call with questions and concerns. Open Up A lot of us feel we’re familiar with the ...

When to Straighten Your Teeth There are a lot of reasons to straighten your teeth , and there are a lot of ways to do it. But you may not know that there are many unique times in your life when it might be best to straighten your teeth. In general, dentists begin considering the potential need to straighten a patient’s teeth around 8-10 years of age. People of any age can have their teeth straightened-there is never a bad time-but there are certain times when it makes more sense. San Luis Obispo dentist Dr. Michael Colleran is a local provider of professional orthodontics and teeth straightening treatments. Read below to learn tips for deciding if it’s time to straighten your teeth. Time for Aesthetic Teeth Straightening If you’re self-conscious about your smile at all, it’s time. If you cover your mouth when you laugh, or if you avoid social situations because you’re not confident, correcting your smile is a worthwhile investment. Your smile is your own personal accessory and it...

There is a law of nature that states: “function follows form.” This saying means that how something appears determines how it works. For example, you may own many screwdrivers of different sizes and shapes (form) to loosen all different kinds of screws (function). Think of a watering can with a long spout that’s perfect for pouring water right where you want it, versus one with a broad spout meant to cover large areas more quickly. When you think about it, this principle also applies to your smile. A mouth with missing teeth isn’t nearly as functional as a mouth with a full set of chompers. Enter: cosmetic dentistry. While the word “cosmetic” makes these treatments sound optional, many times they are necessary to improve physical function or mental and emotional well-being. Read more from Park Slope Dental Arts to learn about cosmetic dentistry and the positive impact it can have on your life. Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening   — an absolute favorite when it comes to con...

Whiter, brighter teeth are on the top of everyone’s smile wish list – and for good reason! White teeth look young and healthy. The good news is that teeth whitening is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to improve your smile, and the results are almost immediate. If you’re already taking good care of your oral health, whitening your teeth will truly put the polish on all of your efforts. Teeth Staining 101 Your unique smile and lifestyle determine the color of your teeth. The hard, outer surface of every tooth is called enamel. Enamel is usually white or off-white, but health and environmental factors can make it turn yellow, brown, or gray. Your mouth may do the talking, but your teeth can say a lot about your habits and health. Coffee, tea, red wine, soda, sports drinks, and tobacco are the biggest causes of stains in healthy teeth. Limit these to preserve your natural pearly whites. One dark or discolored tooth may be the sign of a more serious problem. It’s important to se...

Teeth are typically the first thing that comes to mind for people when they hear the words dentist or dentistry, which makes sense—the root word dent actually means tooth! However, your teeth require healthy gums to hold them in place. Did you know gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss? That’s why it’s important for us to examine your gums just as thoroughly as your teeth, and for you to remain diligent about your oral hygiene routines and cleaning visits with Gwinn dentist Dr. Gwendolyn Buck . If You Have Gum Disease First, know that you’re not alone. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. over the age of 30 experience chronic periodontitis (the advanced stage of gum disease, which starts as gingivitis). Gum disease can be treated, and one of our first steps might be scaling and root planing . If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit with Northern Trails Dental Care to ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape, contact us today! The content of...

We know a lot of our friends and neighbors aren’t fans of being asked how often they brush and floss, but at Florida Smile Design , we hope you know it’s because we care and want to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life! Getting to know your habits also helps us personalize your care and offer suggestions such as using a water flosser if the string type floss isn’t your favorite. Our team happens to appreciate the WaterPik® and its comparable effectiveness at removing food debris and getting in those hard-to-reach areas. Floss is Boss Regardless of which flossing tool you prefer, it’s important to remain diligent in the habit. Flossing helps remove plaque, which causes cavities and dangerous gum disease if left to harden and become tartar. If you have any questions about flossing, WaterPiks, or any other dental topic, Parrish dentist Dr. Richard Schnur would love to hear from you. Contact Florida Smile Design today to schedule a visit! The content of this blog...

To binky or not to binky? Pacifier use for infants has been a subject of debate as long as they’ve been around. Dr. Mark Dawoud shares some pros and cons below. Pros Pacifiers can soothe a fussy baby. Whether your child has a strong sucking reflex or has difficulty falling asleep, a pacifier can be an effective step towards entering Dreamland. (Unfortunately, sleeping through the night is not affected by pacifier use.) Pacifiers are distracting. If the baby has to have a shot, a binky can help to forget the poke. Pacifiers can reduce SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk at naptime and bedtime. If breastfeeding, wait until the baby is 3-4 weeks old and you’ve got a regular nursing routine. Cons Pacifiers may increase ear-infection risk. However, babies 0-6 months old are at the highest risk of SIDS and the lowest risk of ear infection, which is the age babies usually want a binky most. Prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental problems. Harp Pediatric Dentistry ...

I got the idea for this post from teaching at the dental school. Different instructors seem to have different criteria for when its time to treatment plan a crown. I tend to crown teeth when there is sufficient tooth structure missing to put a tooth at greater risk for a future fracture. If such a tooth needs a replacement filling I usually recommend a crown instead, since this will tend to protect the tooth from the forces involved with chewing and protect the tooth from future harm. While replacing a large restoration with a new filling may be tempting, usually this is not optimal treatment. I believe that larger fillings fail more frequently than smaller fillings and when they do it places the tooth at an additional risk for the need of endodontic treatment or  tooth loss. When treatment planning a tooth with a large failing restoration, I often find  that the tooth structure will not be sufficiently supported by another possibly larger new filling.When this is the case...

Has your dentist mentioned the need for you to have a deep cleaning for your teeth? This is an important procedure used in the treatment of gum disease. It may leave you with a bit of sensitivity, but it can help improve gum pocket depth significantly. Let’s talk about this procedure, who needs it, and what to expect. What is a deep teeth cleaning? A deep teeth cleaning is referred to as SRP, otherwise known as a dental scaling and root planing. So, what the heck is that and how is it different than a cleaning? In a nutshell, a deep cleaning is just a little bit deeper than a regular cleaning. Your dental hygienist goes below the gum line to remove toxins like calculus, tartar, and other substances that have stuck onto your tooth surfaces. If these materials are not removed, the gum disease or the immune response of the gums, gets worse. This will likely lead to bleeding gums deeper and deeper gum pockets. Long-term effects of pockets getting increasingly bigger include tooth lo...

I have been using SS White burs forever and I like them very much. The only problem I have experienced is that occasionally they break at the weld, while I am using them. Other than that they have been pretty good burs and almost always cut very well . I also usually order one shank length. If I need to shorten a bur, I will use another carbide to cut the shank shorter, to make my own custom short shank bur. Today I had a patient who had a filling that needed doing on tooth #32 (the wisdom tooth). I tried to shorten the shank by cutting the bur I wanted to use and I was unable to cut it. I was able to finish the filling but I was confused as to why I was having a problem cutting the bur. I placed a call to SS White customer service and they explained that they had changed the manufacturing process so that the bur was now "one piece" and not made from two pieces  that needed to be welded. They had made the change due to complaints about breakage at the weld joint, so they ...

If you’ve tuned in to any crime scene investigation shows, you’ve probably heard of salivary testing, but did you know it’s becoming increasingly common in dental offices? Salivary testing has a bright future in medicine because of how much it can tell us about your state of health—both oral and overall. One of the reasons it’s especially important in the dental office is because we screen for oral cancer , and the number one culprit for diagnoses in recent years is human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be detected through saliva. Should I have my saliva tested? In a word, yes! Frankly, there are many conditions that can lie latent and manifest themselves in dangerous ways (such as heart disease and stroke, which both have links to gum disease ), but if you have your saliva assessed, you can take steps toward decreasing your risk. If you’d like to know more about why we recommend oral DNA testing and salivary diagnostics , we would love to speak with you. If you have questions or ...

Sore jaw? Restless nights? Play sports? If any of these apply to you, you might be surprised to hear that you could use a mouthguard ! Functions of Mouthguards Mouthguards are solid pieces of plastic that keep your teeth and jaw in a specific resting position. The basic function of a mouthguard is protection. Mouthguards help prevent accidental mouth injuries, ease pain from grinding your teeth, and can even help patients with trouble sleeping. They usually only cover the top row of teeth, but can sometimes be made to cover the bottom row too. You can buy a mouthguard pre-made, custom-made, or use the “boil and bite” method for something in the middle. Custom mouthguards from Tomball dentist Dr. Michael Cimino offer the highest level of protection and the most comfortable fit, but no matter where you get your mouthguard, actually wearing it is the most important part. Types of Mouthguards All mouthguards look and function mostly the same, but they might be slightly different base...