Geographic Tongue

Benign Migratory Glossitis aka Geographic Tongue is a harmless condition in which the tongue has areas of darker pink patches. What is actually occurring is the papilla on the tongue disappear, rearing sensitive areas to acidic foods and drinks. According to Web MD, "Affecting about 1% to 3% of people, geographic tongue can show up at any age. However, it tends to affect middle-aged or older adults more often. It appears to be more common in women than in men. Geographic tongue is the name of a condition that gets its name from its map-like appearance on the upper surface and sides of the tongue. It may occur in other areas of your mouth, as well".
If you suspect you have Geographic Tongue consult with your physician or dentist.

Sparkling Water

Those of us who sip on sparkling water throughout the day may think we are doing our teeth (and health) a favor by not splurging on sugary sodas. The fact is, however, that sparkling or carbonated water can be just as harmful for our teeth as sugary drinks.

Sparkling water is acidic and acid erodes our teeth over time. The fluoride that is in toothpaste, mouth wash, and drinking water helps re-mineralize teeth. Yet if bacteria is left on for too long and if acidic food and drinks are consumed too frequently throughout the day, then the tooth surface will be susceptible to decay.

Just how acidic is sparkling water? In an article from Today's Health and Wellness (and Dr. Andre Ritter), sparkling is not as acidic as soda, but plain water is best. "To see why, consult a pH scale: the lower the number, the more acidic the substance. Pure water has a pH level of 7. Bottled water — even some of the non-fizzy variety — has a pH level of 5-7; while sodas can be as low as 2, Ritter noted". Read more from the full article here: http://www.today.com/health/sparkling-water-bad-your-teeth-dentists-weigh-t70761

Sleep Apnea

Do you snore loudly?
Are you frequently sleepy throughout the day?
Has anyone (or yourself) observed you stop breathing during your sleep?
Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. OSA occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of OSA is snoring. Sleep apnea affects adults as well as children.

If left untreated, OSA can cause daytime sleepiness, poor sleep quality, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels (as in diabetes), heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, depression, memory problems, sexual difficulties, weight gain and headaches.

Our new Orthophos SL 3D imaging machine is ideal for treating sleep apnea. The machine can accurately measure down to every millimeter needed for a treatment device.

Please contact us if you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact our office.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer has frightening statistics. More than 40,000 individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed each year and less than 43% of them will survive more than 5 years after the diagnosis. Early detection is key, early signs include a red or white lesion in the mouth, a sore that has not healed after two weeks, and a hoarse voice.

Please read for more information about signs & symptoms and risk factors from our friends at The Oral Cancer Foundation.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Did you know that diabetes and periodontal disease have a strong correlation? According to the American Academy of Periodontology, diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.

Brushing at least twice daily and flossing everyday can help control and even reverse the gum disease of periodontal disease.

Review these instructions on proper flossing techniques:

Periodontal Disease and Low Birth Weight Infants

Did you know there is a link between periodontal disease and low birth weight infants? Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures surrounding the teeth. With chronic infection, proteins called cytokines will increase systemically. Cytokines have been found to cross the fetal membrane barrier and may induce pre-mature labor, resulting in a low birth weight of the infant. Read this detailed study for more information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941365/

Also, don't forget to brush, floss and see your dental professional regularly - before, during and after pregnancy!

Happy Pi Day!

Happy Pi Day! I've assembled some healthier pie recipes you can enjoy on Pi Day (Easter is right around the corner as well).

Apple pie with less butter and brown sugar: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/219432/healthier-apple-pie-by-grandma-ople/

Pecan Pumpkin: http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Simple-_-Healthy-Pecan-Pumpkin-Pie-1423046?columns=4&position=7%2F70

Lighter version of a chocolate cream pie: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/healthy-cream-pie-recipes/cream-pie-recipe-chocolate

Just don't forget to brush and floss after!

Do you need to see a dental specialist? Check out this informational hand out from our friends at Delta Dental for the names of dental specialists and services they perform. Also, at our office we perform endodontic, surgery, orthodontic, pediatric dentistry, periodontic and prosthetics as well as general dentistry all in house!

Possible Risks and Complications from Tongue Piercings

Know someone with a tongue piercing or interested in one? There are a variety of risks to consider. Our friends at Delta Dental compiled a list of possible risks and complications associated with tongue and other oral piercings.

 

DIAGNOdent

Dentists can now detect caries (cavities) beneath the tooth surface without Xrays! Read our handout on the DIAGNOdent for more information.

 

CEREC Restorations

If you are in need of restorations, see this informational hand out on CEREC.

 

We are able to complete your porcelain restoration in-house with just one appointment!

Healthy Holiday Smile

Now is a great time to take care of things that really matter, like your teeth and gums.

Good oral care is part of a healthy lifestyle. You can help prevent cavities and gum disease by routine daily teeth cleaning, good eating habits and regular dental visits.

 

What causes tooth decay and gum disease?

Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. These bacteria convert the sugar in the foods you eat into acids. This plaque, if left in contact with teeth, damages the teeth and the gums. The acid breaks down the enamel causing cavities, while the bacteria irritate the gums, making them swell and bleed.

Swollen and bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis, are the early signs of gum disease. This early stage is reversible by professional dental cleaning and good oral hygiene at home. If left untreated, the gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets which are harder to clean and get infected. Bacteria in the pockets enter the bone surrounding the teeth and destroy it, making teeth become loose and fall out.

 

Implant Surgery

We are so proud of Dr. Tran and Dr. Mouradian training on the latest and greatest in dental implant surgery!

 

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. The tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks.

 

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post -- called an abutment -- is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). The new tooth or teeth is based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.

 

 

 

For more information visit: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants?page=2

 

The Importance of Flossing

Georgia, a baboon in the Paignton Zoo in the United Kingdom taught herself to floss:

“One of the older baboons was inspecting a broom head. Then I saw her pull out a bristle, examine it, pull it taut between both hands and very deliberately start to floss her teeth. She did it several times, both top and bottom set. I only saw the one baboon behaving like this, but she had several pupils, as she was being watched by other baboons.” -Paignton Zoo volunteer.

The intelligence and cleanliness of Georgia is astounding. Flossing is a major way to prevent cavities from developing between teeth. The bristles of toothbrushes cannot reach between teeth, allowing bacteria to multiply and produce acid which breaks down tooth enamel.

 

And remember "shoe shining" is not flossing. The floss should go between teeth and then under the gums and then in a "C" shape under the gum along the tooth.

Safe & Fun Halloween

Enjoy and safe and fun Halloween with these CDC tips:

• Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. WALK and don't run from house to house.
• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

P.S.: Don't forget to brush and floss after eating candy!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Early detection of cancer can mean the utmost importance in a positive prognosis. Facts on breast cancer from nationalbreastcancer.org include: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life. See this guideline for self breast examinations: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps

Smokeless Isn't Harmless

Chewing tobacco and baseball have gone hand in hand for a long time in American culture. Unfortunately many young baseball players do not realize the health risks when picking up the habit. The price many chewing tobacco users pay is cancer, tumors, gum disease, loss of jaw or cheek bone, and loss of taste buds or the tongue. "Thirty-eight years after the end of his baseball career, chewing tobacco user Bill Tuttle had an ominous bulge in his cheek — a tumor so big that it came through his cheek and extended through his skin. Doctors removed the tumor, along with much of Tuttle's face. Chewing tobacco as a young man had cost him his jawbone, his right cheekbone, a lot of his teeth and gumline, and his taste buds. Cancer finally took Tuttle's life in 1998. He spent his last years trying to steer people away from smokeless tobacco". More on Bill Tuttle and smokeless tobacco can be read here: http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/tobacco/smokeless.html#

We are proud to see little leaguer Brexton Clubb, 12 years old, from Peoria, Ariz., was the winner of Oral Health America’s 14th Annual NSTEP (National Spit Tobacco Education Project) Slogan Contest. Brexton’s winning slogan — “Run bases, catch balls. Chew tobacco and risk it all!” — was featured during the 10-day Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Read more here: http://www.dental-tribune.com/articles/news/usa/25651_winning_slogan_educates_americans_about_the_dangers_of_spit_tobacco.html

Cheese Breakdowns: Is Cheese Good for You?

I love cheese. Cheese is a staple in my diet and many other Americans feel the same way. In fact, "the amount of cheese being consumed in the US has tripled over the past 40 years" -Medical News Today. However, many people may not realize that some cheeses are loaded with saturated fat and sodium. This article we found breaks down categories of cheeses to help us make better food choices: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299147.php All in all, if you are an avid cheese eater- it is better to consume low fat or non fat cheese.

Big Brother Dental Insurance

This new dental insurance program, Beam Dental, reminds me of the Progressive car insurance snapshot. Remember those commercials claiming you can finally pay for car insurance how you drive? The Progressive snapshot device sits in your car and monitors hard breaks, how far you drive, etc and in turn you pay auto insurance based on your driving habits. Well, big brother can now be in your toothbrush - monitoring your oral hygiene habits. Beam Dental insurance will send you an electronic toothbrush which claims to monitor "oral hygiene stats" and thus creates a dental insurance policy. Beam will also send toothpaste, floss and brush replacement heads every 3 months. For anyone who has overall good oral hygiene and needs minor restorations, this insurance might be worth entertaining- if you are willing to give up the privacy of your oral hygiene habits. However, major restorations do not seem to be covered by this insurance company. Read the whole article here: http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/beam-technologies-introduces-dental-insurance-with-its-smart-toothbrush/

Soda’s Effect on our Teeth

This is a great article that explains the harmful effects soda can have on our overall health and oral health. Some studies show that consuming as little as one can of soda per day can give you a 48 percent higher chance of getting a heart attack.

Research suggests it may be just as corrosive to teeth as drinking battery fluid, and this can occur as soon as the first three minutes of consumption. This is caused by a combination of mostly three factors, one is the sugar (which is really a minor factor compared to the others) then comes the phosphoric acid present in some sodas and finally the staining effect that they can have on your teeth. - See more at: http://www.dentistry.net/dental-nutrition/soda-on-teeth/#sthash.Nq5SQkPX.dpuf