A Whiter Smile is a Bite Away…

                       Did you know some foods can naturally whiten teeth?  Here are a few……………..

       Yogurt and Milk- Diary products contain Lactic acid and enamel-fortifying mineral calcium, this helps whiten and strengthen teeth.

Water- Swishing water between wine or dark colored foods will help pigmented foods not stain your teeth.

               Apples- Crunch, crunch- the crunch you hear when you bite into an apple actually helps make your gums stronger & the high water content in an apple will boost saliva flow. The extra saliva washes away bacteria that can cause discoloration.

Vegetables that give a CRUNCH when eating, can act as a natural stain remover. Veggies such as carrots, broccoli, and celery contain calcium & fiber!

                                        Eat up!

Scaling and root planning is often referred as a ‘Deep Cleaning’.  Scaling and root planning is treatment of choice in patients with an infectious disease of the gum tissue and underlying bone termed periodontal disease.  This process is also standard treatment for a patient who has healthy bone level, though has not had a regular dental cleaning over a period of time and simply has presence of moderate amounts of calculus (tartar) present below the gum line.

            Periodontal disease typically starts with plaque left on the teeth and around gum line.  When plaque mixes with saliva is creates calculus over time. Eventually, calculus containing bacteria will irritate gum tissues by attaching to teeth and root surfaces and releasing toxins resulting in inflammation and infection of gums.  If untreated, this can ultimately lead to distraction of the bone (bone loss) that surrounds teeth further possible mobility or loss of teeth.

            Scaling and root planning is the only non surgical treatment to help treat periodontal disease by mechanically removing all calculus and paired bacteria from teeth and root surfaces.  To properly diagnose the presence of periodontal disease in a patient, it is important to get necessary radiographs (X-rays) and detailed measurements of all gum tissues that surround teeth.  When bacteria resides in the mouth, it compromises the ligaments that attach gum tissue to root surfaces, therefore creating deeper pockets. Areas that measure greater than 3mm in depth are indicative of periodontal disease.  Overall these measurement are imperative to understand severity of this bacterial infection throughout mouth.

            In office treatment for deep cleaning can be done in one or two visits.  These cleanings are completed by the dentist or dental hygienist by mode of ultra sonic scaler and/or hand instruments.  In addition to the deep cleaning, antibacterial agents such as Arestin placement under gum tissue to help further reduce pocketing or Chlorhexidine rinse to reduce bacteria can be used.  It is common to administer local anesthetic or other anesthetics for optimal patient comfort during and following procedures.

            Maintenance program.  It is standard protocol to keep periodontally involved patients on 3 or 4 month recall intervals.  This means more frequent cleanings in a year’s time to properly combat periodontal disease and ensure stability of gum tissues and underlying bone. Every case varies, though periodic scaling and root planning may be needed after initial deep cleaning due to more compromised bone level.  It is essential that all patients practice proper daily dental hygiene at home for best overall outcome and health of teeth and surrounding structures.

Gum Disease

My Dentist told me I have Gum Disease!
Gum disease is more common than you think. Gum disease, also known as (gingivitis) periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums. Inflammation can vary from moderate to severe. Severe inflammation can lead to the loss of the tissues holding your teeth in place. Making sure you brush your teeth everyday will help prevent plaque to stick on your teeth. If the plaque isn’t removed it can cause your gums to retract (recede) from your teeth and form a pocket. Pockets then collect bacteria.

What do I do now??
(Gingivitis) Periodontal disease can often be treated in early stages with scaling & root planning. Scaling & root planning removes the plaque & tartar beneath the gumline. Usually local anesthetic is given.

What should I do at home?
Make sure you brush your teeth in the morning & at night. Floss, there are many different kinds out there, the best one is the one you will use! Ask your dental professional to show you how to brush and floss PROPERLY, many people do it wrong! Keep up on your cleaning appointments.

Future dental appointments, will they change?
As a “Perio Patient” you will stick to a 3 month check up. This will help you maintain your oral health.

*Reference: ADA & Colgate website

How do you convince your child to brush their teeth?

“Mom I am so tired,” “But daddy my favorite cartoon is on,” we all heard every excuse on the planet. Whether its 6 o’clock in the morning or 8 o’clock at night, most kids try to get out of brushing and flossing. Here are a few tips to encourage brushing & make it a daily routine.

 It takes 21 days or 3 weeks to form a habit. Having a routine will help make this habit form.

Start them young

Its never to early to teach your children good oral health! Cleaning the gums around 6 months can guide you in the right direction. Never put a baby down with a bottle of any liquid other than water!

Apps

There are many apps to help aid your child in brushing. Apps are fun and interacting. Disney Magic Timer, Oral-B & Happy teeth are examples of some. Disney Magic Timer helps track time but also teaches children about oral health!

6 month check ups

It is very important your child stays up to date on his/hers 6 month cleaning appointments. Not only does your healthcare professional clean your child’s teeth but they also teach your child how to maintain a healthy smile. We teach patients how to brush, floss & eat healthy.

Disclosing Solution

Disclosing Solution is in a liquid or tab form and makes the plaque on your child’s teeth stain a bright color. Wherever the teeth are stained is where the child forgot to brush. Children usually have fun trying this out! (TIP: have the child brush first then use the tab/liquid to see exactly where the child missed, then brush again.)

WE LOVE GUMCHUCKS!

Have you ever heard of nunchucks? Chances are you have. Resembling miniature nunchucks, Gumchucks feature disposable tips that are equipped with a 3/4 inch piece of dental floss. Proper flossing requires making a “C” shape, Gumchucks help this happen. Gumchucks are made for adults & children, they even make special handles for people in braces! Gumchucks with help improve dexterity & extend your reach. They are a one of a kind flossing system.

Benefits include: Easier & faster than traditional floss, Reaches the back teeth without putting fingers in the mouth, Safe & hygienic!

We now sell GUMCHUCKS in our office- ask us for a demo! 🙂

Reference: Gumchuck.com