Orthodontics For Adults

Orthodontics for adults is a trend you’ve probably noticed in recent years. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients today is over the age of 21. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. received orthodontic treatment in 2012, the most recent numbers available from the American Association of Orthodontists.¹

Even Hollywood A-listers have been spotted with adult orthodontia. Gwen Stefani paired hers with pink hair at age 30 and called it a gift to herself. (The braces, not the hair.)  Adult braces didn’t hurt actor Tom Cruise’s career a bit at age 40. At age 45, country music singer Faith Hill gave orthodontics for adults the red carpet treatment by sporting them at the Grammy Awards. Singer Film star Faye Dunaway even had them at age 61. So if looks or image is a concern, be encouraged. Also, it helps that a number of options available today, such as tooth-colored braces, braces that go behind the teeth, and clear aligners, are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. ²

Beyond appearance, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reports that leaving misaligned teeth untreated may lead to other dental problems such as tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, abnormal wear of tooth enamel and difficulty in chewing.  The AAO reports braces for adults can also help with:

• Improved self-esteem and self-confidence
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
• Speech difficulty
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Inability to comfortably close lips

Smile Generation-trusted orthodontists are dental specialists who receive an additional two to three years of education beyond dental school in order to learn the proper alignment of the teeth and jaw. There’s a good reason we call them smile experts!

So whether you’re 17 or 70, don’t let age rule out the possibility of having a healthy bite and a beautiful smile. Schedule a consultation today with a trusted, local orthodontist at SmileGeneration.com.

¹ http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-more-adults-are-getting-braces-1444066342

² https://www.mylifemysmile.org/why-you-should-get-orthodontic-treatment

The post Orthodontics For Adults appeared first on Share A Smile® Blog.

from Share A Smile® Blog http://blog.smilegeneration.com/ask-a-dentist/orthodontics-for-adults/

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Take These 4 Reality Checks before Traveling Abroad for Dental Care

Going abroad for medical or dental procedures has a long history, even as far back as the Middle Ages when the wealthy trekked far from home to bathe in popular medicinal spas. Today, people of all walks of life seek care, including dental work, outside their home country: some to see a renowned specialist; others to lower costs.

If you're considering dental care outside of the United States, however, there are some things you should look into before you become a "dental tourist." Here are 4 reality checks you should make and then plan for before embarking on your trip.

Differing standards. Not all dentistry standards are the same around the world. In the U.S., dentists must graduate from accredited programs and pass certification tests before they can practice: standards can be more or less than this in other countries. So, find out first what your destination's standards are for education, as well as safety, materials and workmanship.

Communication confusion. Being unfamiliar with a country's language can make it harder for you to understand and have your questions answered about your procedure or the costs of meals, rooms and other charges. Your providers likewise may have trouble accessing or translating your medical records. Be sure ahead of time you and your provider can speak a common language or arrange for translation.

Recuperation blues. While spending time in an exotic locale sounds like a vacation, being there for a major procedure could be anything but. You may find recuperating in an unfamiliar "paradise" to be quite rigorous and uncomfortable, contrary to the travel brochure. Make sure you know how long you'll be there and what inconveniences you might face.

Follow-up care. If you have problems or concerns with your treatment after you return home, it may not be practical or possible for you to see the provider who performed the procedure. So before you go, try to arrange with a provider here to see you about follow-up issues.

If you would like more information on traveling abroad for healthcare, read the Dear Doctor magazine article "Dental and Medical Tourism."

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/take-these-4-reality-checks-before-traveling-abroad-for-dental-care

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You Might Be More Prone to Cavities

You brush and floss daily and don't snack on sugary treats, yet you've had your fair share of cavities. Your friend, on the other hand, is lax with the dental hygiene and lives on energy drinks and junk food, yet rarely has a cavity. What gives?

Cavities, which result from a disease process called dental caries, are areas of decay caused by certain oral bacteria. As the decay progresses, the bacteria can eventually invade the living portion of the tooth (dentin and pulp) and is considered a bacterial infection. At that point professional dental treatment is required to remove the infection, stop the disease process and seal the tooth.

This disease process requires certain combinations of conditions in order to progress. So it's likely that you have more of those conditions, or risk factors, than your friend does. Don't beat yourself up; while there are lots of things you can do to minimize risks, there are also factors that aren't so easily controlled.

Tooth Decay Risk Factors

Let's take a look at those risk factors:

• Oral Bacteria — Cavities start with bacteria that build up on tooth surfaces in a sticky film called plaque where they feed on sugars and carbohydrates from the foods/beverages we consume, creating acids in the process. Acids dissolve the mineral bonds in the protective layer of tooth enamel, which makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate what is otherwise the hardest substance in the human body and infect the tooth. Your unique oral "microbiome" make-up could have more or less of the microbe species implicated in dental caries, and some strains of the same bugs are more aggressive than others.
• Dental hygiene — Brushing and flossing correctly and regularly helps dislodge bacterial plaque and trapped food particles. Regular checkups and professional cleanings are also important to remove plaque that has hardened into "tartar."
• Diet — Minimizing your intake of sugary foods and carbohydrates reduces the availability of fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, acidic foods and beverages can erode enamel, and the more frequently they are consumed, the less opportunity saliva has to restore the mouth to its normal pH.
• Dry mouth — Saliva contains minerals that help neutralize acids and rebuild tooth enamel. Without a healthy flow, your ability to prevent decay is compromised. Certain medications, chemotherapy and some diseases can cause dry mouth. Drinking lots of water and using enamel-fortifying mouth rinses can help counter the effects.
• Tooth shape — Tooth decay is most likely to develop in back teeth — molars and bicuspids (premolars) — where the tiny fissures on their biting surface tend to trap food and bacteria. Genetics determines how deep your fissures are.
• Gum recession — Receding gums expose the tooth root, which isn't protected by enamel and therefore more susceptible to decay.
• Other factors — Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and vomiting can create highly acidic conditions in the mouth. Retainers, orthodontic appliances and bite or night guards tend to restrict saliva flow over teeth, promoting plaque formation; fixed appliances like braces can make it more difficult to brush and floss effectively.

To learn more about your level of risk and how you can stack the odds more in your favor, talk with your dentist. You can also learn more about this topic by reading Tooth Decay — The World's Oldest & Most Widespread Disease.

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/you-might-be-more-prone-to-cavities

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(916) 684-3105
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lagunavistadental@gmail.com

New ADA Report Names Top 3 Oral-Health Problems

What are the most common oral health problems Americans are facing today? The Health Policy Institute, a research division of the American Dental Association, recently released the results of a wide-ranging survey of nearly 15,000 adults across every state. Here's what they found:

For the population as a whole, the top issue — experienced occasionally or very often by 33% of respondents — was dry mouth. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth generally results from insufficient saliva production. This is a side effect of many medications, and it can also be caused by certain diseases. When it happens occasionally, dry mouth is an inconvenience. But if it becomes a constant problem, it can lead to tooth decay.

Next on the list, difficulty biting or chewing was an issue for 31% of people who responded to the survey — but younger people and people with lower incomes reported it at much higher rates than the population as a whole. A number of things can cause this problem, including teeth that are cracked, loose, or deeply decayed, or poorly fitted dentures. If your teeth are sensitive to pressure, it may indicate that you need a root canal to save a tooth with diseased or dying pulp tissue. Problems when biting or chewing may also keep you from enjoying healthy, nutritious food, because this is often more challenging to eat than processed foods.

Pain is the third item on the list, experienced by about 29% of all respondents. But pain was the number one oral health problem for both lower-income households and people aged 18-34: It was reported by over 40% of both groups. There are many possible causes of this issue, but in general tooth pain is your body's way of telling you something's wrong; if you ignore it, the pain may go away… but the underlying problem won't. The longer you let it go, the more difficult it may be to treat.

If you are experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, don't disregard it — make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms, restore any damaged teeth, and return you to good health.

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/new-ada-report-names-top-3-oral-health-problems

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Laguna Vista Dental
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Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
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lagunavistadental@gmail.com

Philadelphia Becomes First Big City to Enact a Soda Tax

Proposing a soda tax can be a political hot potato. Several bills were floated in New York, but none ever got off the ground. Legislation in the California State Assembly was pulled before it came to a vote. Some forty times previously, state and city governments rejected a proposed tax on sugary beverages. But just recently, Philadelphia became the first large city to pass a 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened drinks — and that may put the City of Brotherly Love right in front of a growing trend.

Why get excited about a new tax? Because if economists are right, and the tax cuts down on consumption of sugary beverages, its benefit in terms of improved public health could be significant.

Numerous studies have linked the consumption of excess sugar to various health problems: diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, to name just a few. Research by the Harvard School of Public Health shows that in recent decades, more and more of our total calorie intake comes from sugary beverages. In fact, sugary drinks (including soda and so-called "sports" and "energy" drinks) are now thought to be the top source of calories in teenagers' diets.

Dentists, of course, are concerned about an additional problem: the potential for soda to cause cavities. Tooth decay can result in pain, time away from school and work, and expense — and it's still the number one chronic disease in children, both in North America and around the world. The link between sugary drinks and tooth decay is well understood: As sugar is processed by harmful bacteria in your mouth, the bacteria release acid that can erode the teeth. Reduce or eliminate the sugar, and you reduce decay.

Tooth decay is a major problem — but fortunately, it's almost 100% preventable. What can you do to keep it from affecting you, or someone you care about? Reducing your consumption of sugary foods and beverages is a good start. If you do have sweets, limit them to mealtimes and avoid snacking in between. This gives your saliva a chance to neutralize the acid, and lets your teeth have a break.

Getting into the habit of brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once a day is also a great way to keep up your oral hygiene. Effective brushing and flossing helps break up and remove the plaque that develops on tooth surfaces, which is where bacteria can thrive. But even excellent at-home care can't fully eliminate deposits of sticky plaque or hardened tartar. That's why it is so important to go to the dental office for regular checkups and professional cleanings.

Nobody really likes taxes. But if a tax on soda results in fewer cavities and brighter smiles, it might be one we could learn to live with. If you would like more information about how sugar affects your oral health, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles "The Bitter Truth About Sugar" and "Nutrition and Oral Health."

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/philadelphia-becomes-first-big-city-to-enact-a-soda-tax

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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
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Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
lagunavistadental@gmail.com

Fluoride Facts Every Family Should Know

Why is fluoride so important for your family’s smile? Simple. It fights tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in five people have untreated tooth decay which can lead to pain, infection and ultimately to problems speaking, eating, working and playing.¹

Most people already know fluoride is good for a healthy smile. But not many people know what it actually is. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water and some foods. It reduces cavities and helps repair tooth enamel by replenishing lost calcium and phosphorous.

Fluoride in Water

Adding fluoride to community water is considered one of ten great health achievements of the 20^th century. The American Dental Association (ADA) says optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay be at least 25% in children and adults. Just drinking water, Americans benefit from fluoride’s cavity protection.²

What about that “Do Not Swallow” warning?

Ever wondered about the “Do Not Swallow”  warning on fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash? It’s a classic case of too much of a good thing. Fluoride is beneficial when used as directed, but not in high doses. That’s one more reason to supervise tooth-brushing time with the kids, especially those under age six!

Feel free to download and share this handy infographic as a guide for your friends and family:

1 – http://www.cdc.gov/policy/hst/statestrategies/oralhealth/index.html
2 – http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation

 

 

 

The post Fluoride Facts Every Family Should Know appeared first on Share A Smile® Blog.

from Share A Smile® Blog http://blog.smilegeneration.com/ask-a-dentist/fluoride-facts/

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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
lagunavistadental@gmail.com

Kathy Bates Chose Invisalign to Straighten Her Smile

Although she's taken on many different roles in her career, Kathy Bates is perhaps best known for portraying creepy characters — like the ones she played in the film Misery and the TV show American Horror Story. So, when she recently told Dear Doctor magazine, "I noticed my teeth were moving around," was she exaggerating for a sinister effect — or was it for real?

In fact, the celebrated actress was describing how her teeth had literally changed positions over time. That's why she decided to get orthodontic treatment in her fifties.

What's more, the changes she noticed aren't unusual. Over time, teeth really can — and do — move around in the mouth. (If they didn't, it would much more difficult for dentists to bring them into better alignment.) Many people don't realize that teeth aren't solidly anchored in bone — instead, they are held in their bony sockets by a network of stretchy fibers called the periodontal ligament. Dentists and orthodontists can straighten teeth by applying just the right amount of gentle force to teeth, using appliances such as traditional braces or clear aligners. Both work the same way — but Kathy Bates, like many adults, opted for the aligners.

"When I heard about Invisalign®, I thought, hmm, maybe this is better than getting braces, so I'll give it a try," she said. "And I'm really glad I did."

Why? For one thing, they're more discreet. Aligners consist of clear plastic trays that are custom-made to fit over your teeth perfectly. Even from right up close, it's difficult or impossible to tell if you're wearing them. (And that's something that just can't be said about braces.) Plus, while they must be worn for 22 hours every day, they can be removed for cleaning, eating, or special occasions. So if you're concerned that braces don't fit your image, aligners might be right for you.

Here's how they work: The aligner trays are custom-made from impressions (digital or physical models) of your own teeth. As you go through treatment, you'll get a new tray about every two weeks. Each one causes your teeth to move just a little bit. All together, they can make a big change in your smile. Aligners may not be appropriate in every situation, but many people can enjoy the benefits of this effective and unobtrusive treatment. After an examination, your dentist or orthodontist can recommend your best options for orthodontic treatment.

Best of all, there's no age limit for getting straighter teeth: As long as they are otherwise healthy, teeth can be moved at any age. In fact, about one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult, and many opt for clear aligners — like Kathy Bates.

 

You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles "Clear Orthodontic Aligners" and "Orthodontics for the Older Adult." The interview with Kathy Bates appears in the latest issue of Dear Doctor.

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/kathy-bates-chose-invisalign-to-straighten-her-smile

Our Website: www.lagunavistadental.com
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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
lagunavistadental@gmail.com

New Nutrition Labels Make Added Sugar Easier to Find

By now, almost everyone knows that there's a whole lot of sugar in soda (not to mention those so-called "sports" and "energy" drinks). Sugar is also a major ingredient in many desserts, breakfast cereals, jellies and fruit preserves. But did you know that there's also an enormous amount of added sugar lurking in foods you might never suspect — like pasta sauces, salad dressings, canned soups and yogurts?

If you didn't realize how many foods you consume every day have high levels of added sugar, you aren't entirely to blame: Up to now, the amount of sugar added to packaged foods wasn't disclosed on the label. But with the Food and Drug Administration's new requirements for nutrition labeling, which are set to take effect in 2018, that's all changing. Along with some familiar information about calories, fat and cholesterol, a new line on the "Nutrition Facts" label will clearly spell out the amount of added sugar — and those figures may come as a surprise to many.

For example, while plain yogurt naturally contains a modest amount of sugar, varieties with added fruit, syrup or crunchy toppings can end up having more total sugar than a Twinkie! Many popular pasta sauces contain about 12 grams (3 teaspoons) of sugar in a half-cup serving: That's about the same as in a Pop-Tart… and who eats spaghetti with just half a cup of sauce? And if you thought those "fat-free" salad dressings were a healthy choice — consider the fact that some contain 8 grams (2 teaspoons) of added sugar in a 2-tablespoon serving.

Sugar itself isn't the enemy — but consuming too much added sugar is bad for you in many ways. It contributes to an unhealthy level of triglycerides in the blood, which can affect cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. It's blamed for a rise in obesity levels in both children and adults, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. And last but not least, it's food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has been a vocal advocate for examining the affect of added sugar on people's oral (and general) health. The organization's president, Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays, recently applauded the FDA "for giving consumers another tool to make informed decisions about their added sugars intake."

For more information about how added sugar in your diet can affect your health, read the Dear Doctor magazine article "The Bitter Truth About Sugar."

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/new-nutrition-labels-make-added-sugar-easier-to-find

Our Website: www.lagunavistadental.com
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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
lagunavistadental@gmail.com

Mouth Guards Will Keep Your Athletic Kids Smiling

It’s all fun and games until somebody chips a tooth. If you have kids in contact sports you may know what we mean. That’s why a mouth guard is a must for kids in sports like hockey, lacrosse, football, basketball or boxing. In fact, The American Dental Association reports the risk of injury is 1.6 to 1.9 times greater without a proper fitting mouth guard.(1)

There are three types of mouth guards available. Custom-made versions provide the most protection but are also more expensive. Mouth-formed (or “Boil-and-Bite”) are more cost-effective but tend to wear faster. Lastly, stock or commercial types are inexpensive but offer the least protection. While the cost of mouth guards varies, they generally cost less than extensive dental work.

But what if your kid is not wearing a mouth guard and has an accident? Here’s some helpful advice:

1. An adult tooth should be rinsed briefly with cold water to remove any dirt. If you can, put it back in place. If that’s not possible, put it in a cup of milk or a special liquid like Hanks Balanced Salt Solution.
2. If a baby tooth (a.k.a. primary tooth) is knocked out, DO NOT put it back in. Call your dentist to have them take a look.
3. If a tooth gets pushed up into the gums, see your dentist as this can damage an adult tooth waiting to emerge.

(1) http://www.livestrong.com/article/342544-the-best-type-of-mouthguard-to-use-for-youth-athletics/
(2) http://childrensmd.org/browse-by-age-group/toddler-pre-school/protecting-your-childs-smile-when-are-mouthguards-needed/

The post Mouth Guards Will Keep Your Athletic Kids Smiling appeared first on Share A Smile® Blog.

from Share A Smile® Blog http://blog.smilegeneration.com/health-and-fitness/mouth-guards-will-keep-athletic-kids-smiling/

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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
lagunavistadental@gmail.com

What Your Child Needs Most To Succeed In Sports

Want to give your kids a leg up in sports? Make sure they fill their tummies up before they leave the house in the morning. Breakfast has legitimate bragging rights as the most important meal of the day. It increases energy, boosts the metabolism, aids concentration, increases problem-solving skills and heightens overall mental performance.

To make the most of the most important meal of the day, start with three powerhouse ingredients for maximum performance on the field: protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Fortunately, it’s easy to incorporate them in quick, tasty ways such as smoothies, oatmeal, breakfast burritos and more!

Additionally, drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of fluids—especially water—prevents dehydration, which can affect strength, energy, coordination and athletic performance. You should also note that athletic kids require a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies at optimal levels, specifically calcium and iron. According to kidshealth.org, kids need calcium to build stronger bones to resist them from breaking and stress fractures. Iron is needed to improve the flow of oxygen to all the different body parts which will help increase their endurance. So be sure to stock up your fridge with low-fat dairy products, leafy green vegetables, lean meats, dried fruits and fortified whole grains.

The timing of meals can be just as important as the contents. Three hours before the game or less, a lighter meal or snack might include easily digestible carbs such as fruit, fruit/vegetable juice, crackers or bread. A post-game meal should include a balance of lean protein, carbs and fat, as the body rebuilds muscle tissue for up to 24 hours.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. So get on the bandwagon and find some smile-worthy ways to use nutrition to help your kids do their very best on the field—and everywhere else.

The post What Your Child Needs Most To Succeed In Sports appeared first on Share A Smile® Blog.

from Share A Smile® Blog http://blog.smilegeneration.com/health-and-fitness/child-needs-succeed-sports/

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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
email@lagunavistadental.com

It’s Easy (and Smart) to Fix a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth makes an impression — but not necessarily a good one!

Case in point:  Jim Carrey’s dopey character Lloyd Christmas in the comic films “Dumb and Dumber” and its sequel. Lloyd’s chipped front tooth was a deliberate choice by the actor to make his character appear more “deranged” every time he opened his mouth.

Treatment for Aesthetics & Health

Fortunately, it’s easy to repair this type of dental damage. Your dentist has several options at his or her disposal depending on the nature of the chip and whether you’ve been able to locate and save the otherwise undamaged missing piece.

It’s important for your oral health as well as your appearance to schedule a dental appointment for evaluation and treatment of chipped tooth. If dental pulp at the center of the tooth has been exposed, your tooth could become hypersensitive to temperature and pressure, causing recurring discomfort. The pulp could also become infected, resulting in a need for root canal treatment.

Bonding — Rejoin/Re-create Missing Piece

Dental cosmetic bonding is the quickest and lowest-cost option to repair a chip. (That’s how Jim Carey had his chipped tooth fixed in childhood; he had his dentist temporarily “unbond” it for the movie!) Bonding involves application of a composite filling material that your dentist will color and shape to match the original tooth. Little to no removal of existing tooth surface is needed.

If you have preserved the chipped-off portion of tooth and it is otherwise undamaged, your dentist can use bonding to seamlessly reattach it. Otherwise, depending on the extent of tooth loss, bonding material can be used to replace the lost portion.

Apply a Veneer — Hide the Chip

A dental veneer can be used to hide smaller areas of missing tooth. This is a thin, custom-made shell placed on the front of the tooth to give it a new façade. Some removal of existing tooth surface may be necessary to fit a veneer so it is flush with the surfaces of surrounding intact teeth.

Get a Crown — Cover Everything

A crown may be the best choice if a relatively large portion of the tooth is missing. It fully encases the visible portion of the remaining tooth (also known as the crown) above the gum line and is shaped and sized to match the original. It can be made of all ceramic (optimal for highly visible areas) or porcelain fused to metal crowns. In both cases, the material will be colored to match your other teeth. Some of the existing tooth surface will be removed to allow the crown to fit over it.

Chipped-Tooth Prevention

Accidents happen, but there are steps you can take to substantially reduce the risk of ever experiencing a chipped tooth — for example, wear a dental bite guard while playing sports, don’t grind or clench your teeth, don’t crunch on ice chips or hard candies, and don’t use your teeth as a tool for opening things!

Learn more about this topic by reading Repairing Chipped Teeth.

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/its-easy-and-smart-to-fix-a-chipped-tooth

Our Website: www.lagunavistadental.com
Our Google My Business: https://plus.google.com/+LagunaVistaDentalElkGrove/about
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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
email@lagunavistadental.com

10 Worst Behaviors For Teeth

You brush and floss regularly and see your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. Good for you! Diligent oral hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy smile. But for all your positive effort, you may be doing other things in your daily life that are putting your pearly whites’ welfare at risk!

Here are 10 behaviors that can cause either immediate damage to your teeth (like chipping and cracking) or damage over time (like erosion of the tooth’s protective enamel coating or gum recession).

Using the Wrong Toothbrush

Using a brush that’s too hard can cause your gums to recede and abrasion damage to tooth root surfaces. A soft-bristled, multi-tufted brush is ideal.

Brushing Too Forcefully and Frequently

Even with the right brush, you can still damage teeth and irritate gyms by applying it too forcefully. A gentle whisking is all that’s needed to break up bacterial plaque buildup on tooth surfaces. Ask your dentist about the proper technique if you’re not sure.

Brushing too often can also be damaging over time. Twice a day — morning and night — is sufficient.

And, brushing immediately after eating can erode tooth enamel, which is weakened by acidity in foods and beverages. Wait at least 30 minutes.

Nail Biting

This nervous habit exerts “parafunctional” (outside what’s normal) bite forces that can wear down teeth and cause small fractures and chips.

Grinding and Clenching

Bruxing, the dental term for tooth grinding as well as jaw clenching, exerts excessive bite forces that can result in tooth wear, fractures or looseness, jaw pain and other symptoms. It often occurs while people sleep; a night guard can help protect against damage.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Some blenders have special blades to crunch through ice cubes; imagine the effect of doing the same thing with your teeth! The force it takes your teeth (and jaws) to crunch through frozen water is far beyond what they’re designed to withstand.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

Teeth are designed for eating, not for tearing tags off clothing, ripping open a bag of pretzels or unscrewing bottle tops. Misusing them is a recipe for fractures, chips and cracks.

Playing Contact Sports Without a Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment that can protect your teeth from blows to the face and head and reduce the risk of broken or lost teeth, cut lips and other damage.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is important to oral health, as it neutralizes enamel-damaging acidity in your mouth and contains minerals that strengthen enamel. Dry mouth increases your risk of enamel erosion, cavities, and bad breath.

Sugary Foods and Beverages

Sugary foods and drinks increase the risk of tooth decay. Sugar and carbohydrates (which break down into sugar) are favorite snacks for certain oral bacteria, which produce cavity-causing acid as they digest.

Serial Coffee or Soda Drinking

Coffee and soda — regular and diet — are highly acidic. Sipping them throughout the day bathes your teeth in damaging acidity and doesn’t give saliva a chance to neutralize it.

Learn more about this topic by reading How And Why Teeth Wear.

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/10-worst-behaviors-for-teeth

Our Website: www.lagunavistadental.com
Our Google My Business: https://plus.google.com/+LagunaVistaDentalElkGrove/about
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Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LagunaVistaDental/
Our Twitter: https://twitter.com/krystleDDS

Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
email@lagunavistadental.com

Why Avoid Energy And Sports Drinks? (Infographic)

It’s no surprise that sugary drinks aren’t good for your health. What may be surprising, however, is just how much sugar is in those supposedly healthy beverages. Sports drinks that promise to replenish electrolytes after a hard workout often contain 6-8 teaspoons of sugar per serving. Energy drinks are even worse, often with as much as 29 grams of sugar per serving.(1)

Knowing how to read the label is key. We all understand the dangers of sugar but not everyone knows that there are 57 other words to describe it as an ingredient! No matter what name you give it, sugar still causes tooth decay. Both sports drinks and energy drinks are loaded with it. (2)

What’s more, The Academy of General Dentistry conducted a survey that showed the high acidity levels in both sports and energy drinks irreversibly damaged tooth enamel after only five days of exposure. People have experienced enamel loss by as much as 1.5% for sports drinks and twice as much or 3% for energy drinks!(3)

Even the athletes you look up to who are featured in commercials promoting sports drinks are not immune to their effects. A survey of 302 athletes from the London Olympics in 2012 found 55% had cavities, 45% had tooth erosion, and 76% had gum disease. One in five even said their oral health affected their athletic performance.(4)

So what should you drink instead? It turns out good old water works wonders. According to Women’s Health, if you work out at moderate intensity for an hour or less every day, maintain a well-balanced diet and hydrate before a workout then that should be enough to keep your electrolyte levels where they need to be. Of course you should consult with your doctor to see what your personal levels are.(5)

In short, keep hydrated while staying away from sugary drinks and you’ll have plenty to smile about with respect to both your physical AND your oral health.

(1) http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/many-tablespoons-sugar-single-energy-drink-11065.html
(2) http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/athletes-suffer-tooth-decay-due-to-sugar-in-sports-drinks-1.2180364
(3) http://columbiadailyherald.com/special-sections/soda-and-energy-drinks-hazards-oral-health
(4) http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/athletes-suffer-tooth-decay-due-to-sugar-in-sports-drinks-1.2180364
(5) http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/electrolytes-and-exercise?cid=isynd_PV_0316

The post Why Avoid Energy And Sports Drinks? (Infographic) appeared first on Share A Smile® Blog.

from Share A Smile® Blog http://blog.smilegeneration.com/ask-a-dentist/oral-health-dental-topics/avoid-energy-sports-drinks/

Our Website: www.lagunavistadental.com
Our Google My Business: https://plus.google.com/+LagunaVistaDentalElkGrove/about
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Our Twitter: https://twitter.com/krystleDDS

Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
email@lagunavistadental.com

First Aid for Common Tooth Injuries

Playing sports without a mouthguard, biting down on something hard, grinding your teeth…these are common ways you can chip, crack, loosen or lose a tooth. The steps you take following such a dental injury will depend on the type and extent of the damage, but it’s generally important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Completely Knocked Out (Avulsed) Tooth

Permanent Tooth

Replanting an avulsed adult tooth within 5 minutes ensures the best outcome, as the body will still recognize the tooth as its own, rather than a “graft,” and ligaments that attach the tooth to the surrounding bone are present on the root surface and can reattach. Factors such as the injured person’s age can also affect the outcome.

What to do:

1. Carefully remove debris from the tooth root by rinsing it in cold tap or bottled water. Avoid touching the root surface itself. Hold the tooth by the crown — the white enamel portion.
2. Replant the tooth by grasping the crown between the thumb and first finger with the smooth, flat surface facing forward and pushing the tooth firmly into the socket.
3. Apply sustained pressure so tooth is not pushed back out.
4. If immediate replantation is not possible, control the bleeding with pressure, place the tooth in the patient’s own saliva (for example between the cheek and gums if the patient is old enough to be trusted not to swallow the tooth) or cold milk or water to keep it from drying out.
5. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Primary Tooth

Do NOT attempt to replant a baby tooth as it could interfere with the health of the underlying permanent tooth. Control bleeding with direct pressure and see a dentist as soon as possible.

Displaced Tooth

Permanent or Primary Tooth

If a tooth is moved out of place or pushed deeper into the jaw, do NOT try to reposition it yourself. See a dentist as soon as possible. The longer the tooth is left out of alignment, the harder it will be to move it back to its original position. The dentist may “splint” it to non-affected teeth to brace it. Depending on the extent of damage, the tooth may need to be moved back into position via orthodontics or extracted.

Chipped/Broken Tooth

Permanent or Primary Tooth

Locate the tooth fragment if you can, as it may be possible to reattach it using tooth-colored bonding materials. Do not try to file or smooth the tooth yourself. Note that the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold due to exposure of nerves in the pulp at their center.

Cracked/Fractured Tooth

Permanent or Primary Tooth

This type of injury is similar to a chip/break but generally more extensive damage has occurred. Do not wiggle the tooth or try to remove any portion of it, and avoid biting on it. It may be sensitive to pressure and temperature changes if the pulp has been exposed. If the crack or fracture extends below the gum tissue, it may not possible to save the tooth. A dentist examination is very important to determine your options.

You can learn more about this subject by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Children's Dental Concerns and Injuries” and “What to Do When Dental Injuries Occur.”

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/first-aid-for-common-tooth-injuries

Our Website: www.lagunavistadental.com
Our Google My Business: https://plus.google.com/+LagunaVistaDentalElkGrove/about
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Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LagunaVistaDental/
Our Twitter: https://twitter.com/krystleDDS

Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
email@lagunavistadental.com

You Have Options for Replacing a Lost Tooth

If you’re missing a tooth, you’ve got several options. The least advisable is to do nothing! It’s not just about aesthetics…Replacing a lost tooth is important to restoring maximum function, maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth, and preserving facial contours.

Your pearly whites don’t just look pretty, they are important place holders for each other. Over time, those adjacent to a toothless gap can drift to fill the space and move out of alignment.  Additionally, tooth roots below the gums provide stimulation that the underlying jawbone needs to maintain its form and density.

Following are common approaches to replacing a lost tooth. The most appropriate for you will depend on a variety of factors that you should discuss with your dentist.

Dental Implant

Today’s gold standard for tooth replacement is the dental implant. This is actually a tooth root replacement to which a separately fashioned crown is attached. For successful implantation, there must be a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to anchor the implant and the adjacent gums and teeth must be healthy. Certain systemic health conditions may preclude implantation as well.

PROS:

• Aesthetic, functional, reliable
• Stimulates the jaw bone to remodel and rebuild
• Does not compromise the integrity of adjacent teeth
• Decreased risk of periodontal (gum) disease compared with a bridge

CONS

• More expensive than a bridge (but more durable so it could be more cost effective long term)
• Requires minor surgery and healing time before placement of  a permanent crown

Fixed Partial Denture

Prior to implants, the three-unit fixed partial denture (FPD), or fixed bridge, was the standard approach for tooth replacement. In this scenario, the two teeth on either side of the gap (the “abutment” teeth) are crowned and the crowns support a “pontic” — a false tooth — between them like pickets in a fence.

PROS:

• Provides normal  function and aesthetics
• Less wait time than with implants
• Less expensive than implants

CONS:

• Damage to abutting teeth (must be shaped to accommodate the crown)
• Greater susceptibility to tooth decay
• Jawbone beneath the pontic may deteriorate over time

Removable Partial Denture (RPD)

An RPD is made of an artificial tooth anchored in plastic that mimics gum tissue. It is attached to metal clasps that hook onto adjacent natural teeth. It can be removed for cleaning.

PROS:

• Aesthetic, functional
• Least expensive option

CONS:

• Greater susceptibility for periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay
• Usually results in teeth becoming loose
• May have stability and comfort issues
• May not fit right over time
• Jawbone underneath may deteriorate over time

You can learn more about this subject by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “The Hidden Consequences of Losing Teeth” and “Crowns and Bridgework.”

from Dentistry & Oral Health Blog http://www.deardoctor.com/dentistry/blog/you-have-options-for-replacing-a-lost-tooth

Our Website: www.lagunavistadental.com
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Laguna Vista Dental
7915 Laguna Blvd, Ste 150
Elk Grove, CA 95758

(916) 684-3105
Mon: 9am - 6pm
Tues - Thu: 8am - 5pm
email@lagunavistadental.com