“Soft Tissue Management?”

Posted by drgracesun on August 9, 2009 under Gum Disease and Treatment, Healthy Smile, Hygiene | Be the First to Comment

Did you know that dental diseases like periodontitis and even cavities are the most common diseases – apart from the common cold? It may surprise you, but enough people neglect their oral hygiene enough to make this an extremely common ailment, even though it’s an easily-preventable situation! These numbers are so high because most people who have some form of gum or tooth disease have no knowledge of it – and with 75% of the population having some form of periodontal disease, you must take careful attention when cleaning your mouth.

An Iraqi girl learns how to brush her teeth for the first time.

Dental decay is not much of an issue in modern society (thanks to fluoridated water and toothpaste), but a proper hygiene routine is still necessary to prevent gum disease and/or cavities. Brushing and flossing is essential, as this both cleans the smooth surfaces of the teeth, and also helps break up food particles and plaque in between the teeth and gum line. Gum disease starts in between the teeth, and some toothbrushes can’t reach critical areas necessary to be cleaned to prevent bacteria from growing.

Although gingivitis – the bacterial infection that invades your gums – is reversible, periodontitis is gum and bone disease, and is not irreversible! Because periodontal disease is so serious, and can only be managed under the strict supervision of a dental professional, it is important to understand just how periodontal disease can affect you. This disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other degenerative diseases that can be life threatening! I’ve blogged about periodontitis before, and I can’t stress enough how important and serious it can be to have regular cleanings and check-ups from a dental professional twice yearly. Periodontal disease can disfigure even the most beautiful of smiles. Your gums can be so swollen, receded and bloody that your teeth will look longer, will become loose and eventually will need removal. If you detect gum disease early, you will need a management program that includes regular treatment with your dentist and/or hygienist and solid home care to manage the disease.

Root planing and scaling is the common form of soft tissue management treatment, when a hygienist or dentist uses a precise tool to detoxify the tooth surfaces below the gum line and in between each tooth, and then rinses with antiseptic . With advanced technology, laser energy can also be utilized to remove diseased tissues and eliminate bacteria to allow healing to take place. Your dental professional will discuss the best treatment plan for you  – a routine cleaning is not enough by itself to treat periodontal disease! You may need to visit your dental hygienist more often, up to four times per year in order to properly manage the disease. On a daily basis, a solid home care program (which should be designed by you and your dentist) will help you maintain your oral health. Besides brushing and flossing after every meal, other tools like prescription tooth brushes (like Rotadent) and water irrigators (like Hydrofloss) could be helpful for your hygiene routine. Antiseptic rinses like Tooth and Gum Tonic Herbal Rinse, a healthy diet and/or supplements and antioxidants like vitamin C and B can also help to fight and manage gum disease. Healthy gum supports a healthy smile, which supports a healthy body!

“Is Your Oral Health Declining?”

Posted by drgracesun on June 1, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Information | Be the First to Comment

Has the global credit crunch put its vice grip on your life? Whether you are hurting in these tough financial times or not, stress is a factor many people have a hard time escaping, and with stress comes habits which can be potentially damaging to your oral health. Cleaning your teeth twice daily with floss and your tooth brush is no doubt important, especially after meals, but what else can you do to keep your mouth clean and healthy in a stressful climate?

Lower stress levels will benefit your oral health!

The global economic crisis has no doubt taken its toll on Americans and global citizens alike, whether that toll is financial stress, family burdens or career changes. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are among the most common de-stressers in popular American culture, and although these practices may temporarily relieve some of your mental tension, they can create serious problems in your mouth. I have previously discussed the dangers of alcohol in the mouth (and its tendency to increase one’s likelihood of developing oral cancer) as well as the respiratory , cardiovascular and general connective tissue problems associated with smoking cigarettes, but stress often leads to a combination of bad habits and bad oral hygiene.

The best way to avoid declining oral health, of course, is to limit or substitute activities which can damage your health, like smoking and drinking. However, if you find this to be too difficult to overcome (especially in a recession when no job is 100% secure), at least stay vigilant with your daily oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss after every meal, and after drinking or smoking. The idea of brushing your teeth after having a drink may not be appetizing at first, but the acidity from the alcohol will erode your precious teeth away! Keeping up on your oral hygiene routine could also help de-stress your financial life as well: taking care of your mouth can lead to reduced cavity occurrences, less sensitivity, and fewer overall dental problems which will save you money in the long run.

Finally, besides having a healthier diet and an optimistic outlook, regular exercise will help keep yourself in good shape! Keep up your teeth cleanings and check-ups – these are crucial. If you are overdue on a dental cleaning, schedule a visit now!  Visiting your dental professional is key in identifying problem areas in your hygiene routine, possible cavities or severe night grinding (which causes excessive wear of your teeth (or other issues)) are usually undetectable without professional consultation. Early detection and preventive measures will prevent costly repair work down the line!

“How Do I Keep My Tooth Brush Clean?”

Posted by drgracesun on April 20, 2009 under Information | Be the First to Comment

We all clean our teeth with tooth brushes, but how do you clean the tooth brush that cleans your teeth?

Keep your tooth brush clean!

Tooth brushes get used cleaning your teeth at least two time daily, and we should all be using toothpaste and water with our brushing. Afterward, we rinse our mouth out and clean our toothbrush under running tap water,  shaking off any excess water and then keep the toothbrush upright, allowing it to air dry until next time. Such a cleaning routine is usually adequate for a healthy person. It is good to know however that any toothbrush can harbor millions of bacteria at any given time. The oral cavity itself harbors hundreds of different kinds of microbes and bacterial organisms, which inevitably become transferred onto the toothbrush as you clean your teeth. Most bathrooms also harbor lots of bacteria, which can transfer to your brush if the brush head is contacting any not-so-clean surfaces or another toothbrush. Should you be concerned with sanitizing your tooth brush?

Thankfully, our immune defense mechanism protects against offending microbes, and most bacteria on your tooth brush will pose no health risk to you. Don’t be germ phobic, but it is always good to have few more pointers under your belt regarding how you can keep a cleaner toothbrush. Do not  share a toothbrush! Wash your toothbrush before and after each use. It is important to clear all bristles of any remaining toothpaste or food debris to prevent excess bacteria from forming.  If you are sick, it’s a good idea to soak your toothbrush in a 3% (standard over-the-counter) solution of hydrogen peroxide for 5-10 minutes to sterilize your cleaning tool. Also, it’s a good idea to have several toothbrushes at your disposal, dried and cleaned and ready to go – rotating toothbrushes can increase their longevity. When storing your toothbrush, make sure to have adequate ventilation to prevent molding or bacteria from forming.

My last tip is to take a good look at your your brush: if the ends of bristles bend , get a new one! Normally, the life span of a   is 3 to 4 months; if you have an electric toothbrush check the shape of the bristles (it might be time to replace the brush heads). It’s always easier to stock up a few brushes to assure you’ll always have a good toothbrush available  to keep your oral hygiene up to snuff. A clean mouth makes you feel refreshed and keeps your body healthy!

“No Drill Dentistry?”

Posted by drgracesun on March 15, 2009 under Information, Technology | Read the First Comment

“No more drill?” was an exciting news headliner in May of 1997, implying that with Er:YAG dental lasers, drills were no longer necessary for treating cavities! A decade later, we can re-evaluate or validate the pros and cons of cavity treatment with dental lasers.

In recent years, lasers have been utilized for providing precise, less-painful, clean and miraculous medical and dental procedures. In dentistry, various treatments on soft tissues (like aesthetic gum contouring, gum treatment for gingivitis and periodontal disease, apthous ulcers, frenectomies, biopsies and more) are precisely performed and heal faster with less discomfort than traditional treatments. Surgeries can be done in a very clean and fairly bloodless field. Lasers have also been used to aid in faster and more efficient tooth whitening procedures. Later exploration into how lasers can be utilized in the dental field have revealed hard tissue applications, including tooth and bone.

How does laser energy work with our body? The laser-tissue interaction can be looked at by identifying the laser’s characteristics. The laser wavelength (which has a very specific peak absorption curve) is attracted to certain tissues or elements. Our body, as a recipient site receiving the laser energy, is composed of different structures and elements. The best and most efficient results occur when the perfect match is found between the laser’s energy and the target tissue.

Since erbium energy (Er:YAG) is attracted to water and hydroxylapatite (tooth and bone elements), and decayed tooth structures are full of moisture, the laser energy reacts to your decayed tooth structure much quicker than your healthy tooth structure. This means the decayed tooth structure can be ablated away efficiently. The process happens precisely at the target tissue (the cavity), energy does not travel beyond this site – this means the tooth will not react to the process, resulting in less irritation than a traditional dental drill (which  carries mechanical vibration and heat, causing irritation to the teeth)!

In comparison, when it comes to restorative dentistry, rotary instruments (like a traditional drill) are still easier, faster and more predictable in creating specific tooth shapes to receive dental restorations, and rotary instruments have been improved, combining elements of both air and electricity, giving better torque energy, less vibration and less noise.

When discussing the removal of decayed tooth structure , the erbium laser is still a wonderful tool to create a sterile, clean site. Obtaining a laser solely for removing tooth decay, however, is not feasible.So there is few dentists offer such service. Erbium lasers are very useful for bone and soft tissue procedures (water component), dental implant recovery surgeries, and aesthetic crown lengthening (eliminating a gummy smile).Hopefully when you need such services can receive the benefits what laser dentistry can offer.

Dentistry is continuously evolving. New technology, new techniques, new prospects – it’s exciting! Get excited about your opportunity to get better dental service, ask your dental professional “what’s new!” Get the whole team excited about what benefits we can all receive from all the new and advanced technology available to us today.

“Fluoride, Good or Bad?”

Posted by drgracesun on March 6, 2009 under Information | 2 Comments to Read

Fluoride treatment is effective with preventing cavities and tooth decay. As a dentist, this is what I have recommended to people who I see can benefit from fluoride treatment’s ability to remineralize and desensitize your teeth. However, I must confess there is risk involved with using fluoride due to its potentially damaging systematic effects.

Fluorine, the ionized form of fluoride is highly active to phosphate ions in your body (where calcium is found in large amounts – like the bones and teeth). In teeth, fluorine combines with the inorganic compound apatite, to form a harder, less water-soluble fluoride salt, which resists the acidic erosion of some oral environments. A pregnant mother’s fluorine intake affects the primary teeth of the fetus. Fluorine intake from fluoridated water (or a fluoride supplement) can also affect teeth in child development of up to around age 8 (making teeth harder and more resistant to decay). Unfortunately, excessive amounts of fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes white, brown or black stains (and even pitting) of the teeth, and/or brittle, aching bones and joints. An even darker fact regarding fluoride: many researchers believe it is carcinogenic. Japanese research has shown fluoride as being capable of transforming healthy cells into cancer cells. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Health has found that young men exposed to fluoridated water have a much higher occurrence rate of bone cancer. Other studies performed by private corporations (Procter & Gamble in particular) have shown fluoride used to fluoridate public water sources significantly increases the chances of genetic damage in its drinkers.

So use fluoride with caution – it is beneficial for cavity prevention and treating tooth sensitivity, but it is for topical use only – do not ingest! Children especially need special care from their parents with undertaking any type of fluoride treatment, no fluoride toothpaste or fluoride should ever be swallowed. If fluoride use is recommended by your doctor or dental professional, calcium supplements (or food rich in calcium like dairy products) are recommended to ensure your bones stay strong and balance out any potential loss of calcium due to fluorine exposure.

There are alternatives for remineralizing your tooth structure, such as calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. If you have any concerns, speak with your dental professional. Remember, the best way to prevent tooth decay is to eat sensibly and keep your mouth sparkling clean by properly brushing and flossing after every meal.

“Good candy?!”

Posted by drgracesun on March 4, 2009 under Information, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

Imagine being able to suck on a lollipop to benefit your teeth! Imaging a candy approved by your dentist ! A UCLA research team (with Chinese collaboration) has developed a licorice candy which actually destroys the bacteria in your mouth responsible for cavities and tooth decay – without disrupting the healthy, digestive bacteria. Sound amazing? It just might be the future!

Glycyrrhiza uralensis is the magic behind this development, an extract from licorice root which effectively eliminates 99.9% of the mouth’s streptococcus mutans, a significant bacterial contributor to tooth decay (it produces acids which eat away at the protective outer layers of your teeth). The extract, blended into a sugarfree candy lollipop, can be ingested like a normal piece of candy, with no negative side effects noted (at this time). Licorice root also promotes saliva flow, promoting a healthy oral environment. Alternate studies have also shown licorice extract to be capable of relieving pain symptoms associated with canker sores.

Besides the obvious benefits of a convenient, delicious way to fight tooth decay, sugar-free candy produced with licorice root could be a godsend for mothers and parents who can’t get their children to stop eating candy (or who refuse to brush their teeth)! The amount of time it takes for the average person to suck and digest a lollipop was shown to be more than adequate for the root to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. Chinese medicine has used licorice root for centuries( I grew up in Taiwan, used licorice root for teething, even I had sweet tooth and always rushed with my brushing, did not have cavity problem!) in treating various inflammatory and viral maladies, although western medicine has only recently discovered the benefits of the root.

Although these cavity-fighting candies are only available in Japan and Europe at the moment, it won’t be too long before Americans will be able to prevent cavities with lollipops! More research is necessary before such products will be approved by the FDA.

“What Should I Eat?”

Posted by drgracesun on March 1, 2009 under Information, Smart Smile | 2 Comments to Read

What you eat, and how often you eat foods that are unhealthy for your teeth, determine how likely you are to get cavities and other problems caused by bad diet, like bad breath and even gum disease. As you eat, your mouth begins the first stages of digestion. Healthy bacteria in your saliva convert sugars into acids – good for digestion, bad for your teeth. Plaque is one of the biggest enemies to your mouth, which forms when food particles are allowed to linger around your teeth and gums. This process begins the moment you begin to eat, which is why it is so important to brush and floss after every meal.

A healthy meal for your body and your teeth!

Once a tooth forms, it is subject to our oral environment. Diets consisting of high sugar, starch or acid content can all erode your enamel unless you are exceptionally good keeping up your oral hygiene (brushing and flossing after every meal). The health of gum and bone tissue that supports the teeth is greatly influenced by proper diet that contains nutrients to keep our body healthy.

What should you eat? Natural, organic and unrefined foods. These foods have high nutrient value and less sugar than processed food, and will pose a smaller threat to your teeth. The best food choices include dairy (like milk, cheese and yogurt) and poultry (like chicken and duck). These foods provide your teeth with calcium and phosphorus, which help to form enamel and bone. Crunchy natural foods like  nuts and green leafy vegetables or orange-colored fruits will stimulate gum and saliva flow, a natural cavity fighter. These foods also contain beta carotene, which the body turns into vitamin C (essential for your body’s ability to maintain and repair healthy soft tissue). If you cannot eat fruits and vegetables naturally, taking a supplemental vitamin or drink which contains Vitamin C and other antioxidants will help protect your gums against cellular damage, and promote their healing abilities. Unsweetened tea is another great drink which has little impact on your mouth’s health.

Foods which contain high amounts of sugar (like candy and carbohydrate-laden foods like bread, chips, fries and muffins), natural or processed, are a tooth’s worst nightmare! The high sugar content of these foods help bacteria thrive. Breads and starches should be an occasional indulgence: when starches mix with amylase (a natural enzyme in your mouth), acid forms that erodes the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, dry foods like chips and cookies or even dried fruits have a tendency to stick to the surface of your teeth, which also helps bacteria thrive. Acidic sweetened beverages like sodas are the worst type of liquid to expose your teeth to, and can cause tooth erosion, enamel decay and even periodontitis – avoid soda and carbonated beverages at all costs! Artificial sweeteners can be a better alternative to sugar-sweetened drinks, as they do not feed bacteria like natural sugar.

Pregnant? Start right by eating right during pregnancy. Eating sensibly during pregnancy means getting adequate calcium (your body needs Vitamin D to absorb calcium) to form strong teeth and bone, which will give your child a good start also. Fluoride can also be used to prevent tooth decay.

So, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid sugary foods and drinks, and remember to brush, floss and rinse your mouth (and tongue) after meals. You will be on the road to healthy, brilliant teeth!

“Is Soda Harmful to My Teeth?”

Posted by drgracesun on February 23, 2009 under Smart Smile | Read the First Comment

While blogging a few days ago on my last entry regarding eating disorders (and hearing the news about “Mountain Dew Syndrome“) I was prompted to discuss how dietary influences affect teeth erosion, which is often overlooked until the detrimental damage has been done – and affects your life!

Yes, all soft drinks (including regular and diet soda, lemonade) and even pickles and salad dressing are acidic, which can potentially cause erosion of your teeth: it’s like the process of creating frosted glass from acid etching.

Approximately two thirds of our body is composed of water, which needs to be continuously replenished. Our body signals us to take in liquid, and it’s up to us to decide which liquid is best for our body. All carbonated soft drinks will lead to dental erosion, but sodas containing citric or phosphoric acid are highly corrosive to teeth. Once the protective enamel layer is eroded (from the acid in a person’s diet), your teeth will become porous. Plaque and staining will set in easily, and your teeth will become much more prone to cavities and sensitivity.

pH (potential of hydrogen) is the unit of measure for any liquid’s acidity. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity of said liquid, and the more damage it will cause to your teeth.  Pure water has a pH value of 7. Your mouth averages between 6.2 and 7 pH, with corrosive damage taking place when liquids are consumed below a pH of 5.5 – the average soda carries a pH level of 2.47 – 3.6. Gastric acid and battery acid have a pH of 1.

The typical American drinks over 50 gallons of acidic cola each year – far more than healthier liquids like fruit juice. On average, sodas are up to 10 times more damaging than fruit juice to your teeth’s enamel, according to a study by the Academy of General Dentistry, however the content of common phosphoric and citric acids found in soft drinks are not the only factor that contributes to enamel decay. The sugar, additive and organic acid content of these liquids can all dissolve tooth structure. The leaching effect of phosphoric acid can also weaken your bone. The impact of excess caffeine in soda can potentially raise your blood pressure, and also form habits causing soda addiction. Once a person stops drinking soda after building an addiction, you will suffer symptoms like headache and depression (withdrawal). Children who drink soda regularly are at a substantially higher risk over children who drink milk or water, a much healthier alternative, not only for the teeth but for the well being of the body! Preteens and adolescents, who have underdeveloped tooth enamel, are at an especially high risk and should avoid cola drinks at all costs.

So please, avoid eroding your teeth whenever possible! Things you can do to help your body include substituting soft drinks with water, milk or fruit and veggie sticks, drinking soda with a straw, drinking soda with meals instead of by itself, using fluoride treatment, as well as brushing and flossing soon after eating and drinking. Save your favorite carbonated beverage as an occasional treat – you will save your teeth, your body and your peace of mind.

“Do Women Get More Cavities Than Men?”

Posted by drgracesun on February 8, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Information, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

There’s no doubt about it – women are sweeter than men! Unfortunately, this tooth truth means women do indeed get more cavities than men. Now hear me out!

John Lukacs, an anthropologist at the University of Oregon recently uncovered both modern and prehistoric dental records which have revealed women have more dental health issues than men. Both sexes experienced a boost in cavities  because of dietary changes associated with society becoming more agricultural.

The explanations include hormonal changes in women. The female sex hormone estrogen, which is produced in great doses during pregnancy and puberty promotes dietary changes, and may reduce secretion of saliva, which cleans your teeth. Female roles in the kitchen also increase opportunities of sampling food, leading to the possibility of an  oral environment harvest bacteria. During pregnancy, not only does the body increase blood circulation to accommodate certain changes, but dilation of the blood vessels makes the body more vulnerable to bacterial invasion, including the gum and bone  support your teeth. Cravings and constant nibbling also promotes an acidic oral environment, leading to tooth erosion and the further harvesting of bacterial growth (which breaks down your tooth structure).

The important message here is to be aware of timely cleaning of your mouth after meals and all nibblings to prevent cavities (it is best to clean your teeth within five minutes after food consumption).