Dental Care and Holidays!

Posted by drgracesun on December 22, 2009 under Current News Events | Read the First Comment

Wow – 2009 really flew by! As this year draws to a close and another prepares to bloom, take time to reflect on your life and plan for a better future. Did you do well taking care of yourself this year? Could you do better? What is your new year’s resolution? Being happy with our dental health should be one of our top priorities for 2010. It’s up to us to control our future! Have fun and be safe this new year!

Holidays are a joyful time for friends and family, filled with good food and great memories. During this happy time you must remember to take care of your oral health, not only during the feast but beforehand as well! Since most dental offices close for the winter holidays (some for up to two weeks!), it is a good idea to get a checkup before the holiday – especially if you have any pain or sensitivity.

With regards to holiday staining of your teeth, as I have previously mentioned in a wine blog, white wine has an acid content that tends to increase the risk of stain or darkening of your teeth, if combined with other habits of drinking tea, or similar dark beverages. Do not be fooled by the crystal clear appearance of a white wine – they are certainly capable of dulling your teeth. Both whites and reds are equally capable of staining teeth. Certain acidic properties present in wine (white, red or rose) create micro-porosity etching which rough the surface of your teeth, making your teeth much more susceptible to stains from other foods.

If you were to drink a glass of white wine with a red meat sauce, the acidic properties in the white wine could make your teeth more prone to staining from the red sauce in your meal, or the cup of tea after the dinner! Red wine is still more “dangerous” to the pearly opalescence of your teeth than white, however, as it contains pigment molecules known as chromagen, which will stain your teeth. All wines contain tannins, which act as a binding protein, aiding chromogen to saturate upon the surface of the tooth. Just remember to brush and floss after every meal, especially during the holidays!

When you do drink acidic liquids or eat sugary foods, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. Brush and floss twice daily, and after meals – oral hygiene should be routine to avoid problems. Prevention is the most powerful form of self defense from oral health problems!

Apart from keeping your teeth beautiful and pearly-white, remember not to over-do the quantity of the foods you eat during over the holidays. Lean proteins (like turkey and chicken), veggies (like green beans and yams), fruits (like pumpkin and cranberries) are all delicious in moderation – the Christmas ham could be a bit much (taste everything)! Don’t forget the pumpkin or pecan pie for desert! Holiday meals don’t have to be boring and bland to be healthy; sample everything in moderation. Have a happy and safe new year!

Anti-Aging in Dentistry

Posted by drgracesun on October 14, 2009 under Beautiful Smile, Healthy Smile, Hygiene, Nutrition and Diet, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

Anti-Aging is something of a buzzword in today’s marketplace: the medical community, the marketing community and nearly every community in between seems to have been captured by this craze. What exactly is anti-aging? The concept is to reduce the visual signs of a person’s age to make one appear younger, more vibrant and more beautiful. While there are a range of methods and procedures available to the public to accomplish anti-aging, the patient themselves must be willing to make changes to his or her lifestyle in order to sustain the changes provided by his or her physician.

I recently attended the 5th European Congress in Aesthetic Dermatology and Surgery in Anti-Aging Medicine, hosted by the European Masters in Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine (or EMAA) in Paris, France. The conference focused on a plethora of anti-aging information and news in the field, but what I found interesting were the procedures tailored toward dental medicine. Botox, or Botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein that is in fact one of the most poisonous substances known to man! Despite the dramatic definition, the use of very small amounts of this toxin to treat muscle spasms in anti-aging medicine is widespread. Botox relaxes muscle spasms in a way that can reduce wrinkles, by training specific muscle groups to relax and lower tension.  Botox effects wear off between three and six months, and will need to be re-administered to maintain results.

From the dental aspect, Botox can be used to control a gummy smile. Botox relaxes the muscles in a person’s upper lip – known as hyperactive upper lip – which contributes to a gummy smile. When Botox is injected into the muscle group in a person’s lip, the toxin actually relaxes the muscles and restricts the muscle’s ability to overly contract upward thus showing excessive gum tissue . Botox can also be used to control facial muscle spasms that contribute not only to wrinkles and frown lines, but to headaches as well. By undergoing Botox therapy, the muscles in the lips and face can be trained to eventually relax on their own.

Although Botox may sound like a miracle drug for reducing the appearance of gummy smiles, fine lines and even headaches, one must remember that any anti-aging treatment plan is dual-fold: the patient must be committed to their health in order to achieve long-lasting results. Patient compliance is key in any medical treatment plan, but when it comes to anti-aging, a healthy lifestyle can make all the difference in the world. Diet is one of the most important factors in patient compliance. Everyone has heard the age-old saying “you are what you eat,” – it is absolutely true.

A patient who is concerned with his or her physical health and appearance – and is willing to go through Botox therapy to achieve anti-aging results – must realize that his or her diet is vital to achieving long-lasting results. Vegetables, lean proteins and minerals are all vital in achieving healthy skin, bones and organ function. A poor diet high in refined sugars, fat and carbohydrates with poor habits (like alcohol consumption and smoking, staying up late and no exercise) all will contribute to a faster aging process. We all wishto be young and healthy forever – it all starts with healthy choices.

“A Light Waistline, A Fat Wallet.”

Posted by drgracesun on August 29, 2009 under Information, Nutrition and Diet, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

When our lives our simple, we are generally happier: less stress, more fun! Leading a relatively simple lifestyle (which means eating right, exercising, not overworking, getting to bed on time and all that jazz) will leave you feeling better rested and more alive. As if that wasn’t enough of an incentive, a healthy lifestyle will also result in a fatter wallet.

It’s a sad fact that we consume far more food than our parents (and grandparents!). The average American drinks more soda than water, and considering how big those drinks have grown over the years – a 64oz Big Gulp being a standard drink size at gas station convenience stores – it’s no wonder we’re the second fattest nation in the world (Australia takes the cake)! Many young people would rather drink a Diet Coke than eat a meal, and because carbonated colas are mostly sugar and empty calories, our bodies struggle every day to get the nutrients they need from natural, raw foods. Not only do they provide functional stimulation to your teeth and gums, but natural foods also nourish our body and keep our physiological systems running smoothly.

Studies have shown that a person’s consumption of carbohydrates (be it sugar, corn syrup or grain) are directly tied to a person’s ability to maintain their weight and overall health. According to a study by Dr. Mercola, if you eat out on a regular basis (because most restaurant foods are both fatty and preservative-laden), you are “slashing decades off your lifespan and increasing the likelihood of having to rely on expensive and potentially toxic drugs to treat the symptoms that will result from not eating healthy.”

The key message here is to live a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, leading a positive attitude and maintain good habits and hygiene. Brush and floss after every meal. Keeping your oral cavity clean will help to keep the rest of your body running smoothly, as oral health is systemically linked to your other bodily systems (as we have learned, a dirty and plaque-ridden mouth can lead to heart disease, amongst other ailments). Live healthy and you will be one step closer to living wealthy!

“How Important is My Diet?”

Posted by drgracesun on August 2, 2009 under General Dental Knowledge, Healthy Smile, Hygiene, Information, Nutrition and Diet, Smart Smile, Technology | Be the First to Comment

You are what you eat! Your body can only repair, regenerate and replenish itself from what you put into your body; it’s a continuous cyclic phenomenon. A healthy diet is essential to maintaining a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy smile.

We have learned about the food pyramid and how a balanced diet can keep our body and mind healthy.We need carbohydrates like grains, fruits and vegetables to supply energy to the body and maintaining normal blood glucose level, cellulose fiber will regulate our internal systems to eliminate waste and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and colon cancer. Protein (with its Greek root meaning “of primary importance”) including meats, fish, dairy and beans are essential to build and repair our body components. Protein builds muscle, normalizes the immune system and body function. Fats are needed to build our cell walls and conduct our neural transmissions. Lipids maintain the structure and support of our organs.Vitamins and minerals will optimize our health and prevent diseases. Finally, we should always keep our body well hydrated, because water is the single most major component of our body and cells.

Oral health is part of bodily health. For healthy oral tissues like gum and bone, we need the same healthy diet to prevent cavities, which also requires hygiene upkeep.  The digestive process starts the moment you begin to eat. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from the foods you eat to acids, which although are helpful in breaking down your food, also begins to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. If you snack frequently, you are exposing your teeth to cyclic decay. Obviously, habits like this are detrimental to your oral health. Brush and floss twice daily, and after meals. Any less frequently could mean serious problems for your oral health!

Many of us live in a fast paced life and many young people’s diet are lacking the greens. Fruits and vegetables are important to our health for many reasons – they contain fiber in whole foods, and they contain phytonutrients, which are plant based nutrients (in the numbers of 20,000 or more), all of which work together to ensure our health. Alpha-carotene, lycopene, and a number of the other carotenes give our fruits and vegetables their rich vibrant colors, but they also help make our skin strong, our organs functioning well and they keep our immune system in check. Their antioxidant properties will also help our periodontal tissues to resist breaking down. When combined with fine proteins, they  will help to repair and regenerate our soft oral tissues. Eat healthy, and preserve your body, your smile and your life!

“A Checkup for Baby Boomers?”

Posted by drgracesun on July 18, 2009 under General Dental Knowledge, Gum Disease and Treatment, Healthy Smile, Hygiene, Information | Be the First to Comment

Aging? Not me! We do not get old, but our body parts increasingly need more upkeep to stay young! Baby boomers need special attention in particular – although we may feel like as young as a college graduate, an aged and/or discolored smile will reveal your years. As a cosmetic dentist, my mission is to help you maintain a happy and healthy smile that will compliment your well kept physique – and feel “looking good”is often  related with having a beautiful smile. If you’re not happy with your smile, get a consultation from a cosmetic dentist to see what you can do to refresh your smile!

The most commonly challenging dental dilemma for baby boomers is combating those dull and severely worn teeth. Many people are unaware of the slow aging process of loosing tooth structures, mainly from night grinding, erosion and attrition. Bad habits and poor hygiene can also ruin teeth. The approach to rejuvenate can be as simple as having your teeth whitened, or it could be more complicated, requiring a multidisciplinary approach with extensive time and financial investment needed.

Often times, porcelain veneers might be suggested by your cosmetic dental professional to restore an aging smile, but make sure your dental health has been evaluated first. It is pertinent to check whether or not the gum and bone tissues are healthy, if there are any missing teeth that haven’t yet been replaced and if any shifting bite or teeth issues have been addressed. If you have had prior cosmetic work done, however, maintaining your investment is vital if you want your new smile to last. Follow up any cosmetic procedure with proper hygiene habits, which include brushing and flossing twice daily (and after meals), a healthy diet, no smoking and no excessive drinking (sodas or alcohol). A night guard might also be recommended.

Baby boomers have worked hard to establish their careers, family and personal well-being – now it’s time to enjoy more of your accomplishments. Get the smile you’ve always wanted, as it’s not only for vanity but also truly for your overall health.  Visit your dental professional not only for a routine cleaning and check up, but ask for a comprehensive cosmetic evaluation, including a smile analysis, TMJ and occlusion check and a periodontal exam with an oral cancer screening. When you take care of your mouth, you are taking care of a vital bodily system which performs in delicate balance with the rest of your body. When your oral cavity ’s health is at risk, your overall health is being endangered.

“Advice For Vegetarians!”

Posted by drgracesun on June 12, 2009 under Cancer Prevention, Cardiovascular System, General Dental Knowledge, Healthy Smile, Information, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

The vegetarian diet can be very beneficial in many ways: the choice to be vegetarian has been shown to help fight illness and disease, vegetarians help the environment and make positive impacts in their carbon footprints. The diet, consisting especially of whole grain, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes can lower the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers. For these reasons, many people are choosing to become vegetarian, however, the nutritional deficiencies that sometime result from the vegetarian diet can often  reveal themselves during dental exams.

Even though we assume that vegetarians are well aware of what goes into their body (and are well versed in keeping proper nutritional habits up), it’s easy for vegetarians to become malnourished – especially young vegetarians under the age of 18. Common vegetarian deficiencies include calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12 or complete proteins. The good news is that by eating the proper combination of fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and legumes, these deficiencies can be avoided. If you have youngsters on vegetarian diets, be sure to instill the importance of a balanced diet, and the seriousness of vitamin deficiencies, which can cause illness and other systemic problems, including dental maladies.

“An adult on a vegetarian diet for a prolonged period can be at increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease from a lack of vitamin D and calcium,” says Dr. Leibsohn of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). For this reason, it is very important that any adult (or parent of any child) considering “the green gateway” should first consult with their dietitian or dental professional. The specific diet you or your loved ones may be undertaking could have key deficiencies which could lead to serious health problems down the road. For example, a vitamin D deficiency can actually make your teeth and gums more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Vitamin D is produced in the body with sun exposure, so deficiencies are rare, but deficiencies can develop in those who do not consume milk or fish. Adding vegetable margarine or soy milk may help, though a better idea is to supplement the vegetarian diet with a weekly salmon steak, tuna salad and/or low fat cheese, milk or yogurt to supply a healthy foundation for your body and smile.

“Save Your Job? Save Your Smile!”

Posted by drgracesun on June 7, 2009 under Beautiful Smile, Healthy Smile, Information, Smart Smile | Read the First Comment

In the current recession , unemployment rates are at all time highs! It’s a scary prospect to be faced with possible job loss, but especially in professions where appearance is key (like business), your teeth can make or break a first impression. Just as you wear a suit to appear professional, tidy and attractive, having a great set of teeth will accent the professional, attractive winning smile on your face.  The people businessmen encounter every day (colleagues, clients and the like) are constantly evaluating the people they work with. Your job just may get that extra boost of security with a clean, healthy and brilliant smile.

A healthy smile could secure your job!

According to a study recently completed by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts. Nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men don’t see a need to go to the dentist, and about 30 percent of those polled reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. This disturbing trend of not visiting the dentist could not only have devastating effects on one’s teeth and oral health, but on their professional well-being and livelihood!

“In my practice, more men are coming in and requesting bleaching , veneers and bonding ,” says AGD spokesperson J. Nick Russo, Sr., DDS, FAGD. “Many have noticed the positive effects from a colleague’s improved smile and realize that a great smile has a lot of value in the business world.” A  poorly cared-for smile not only looks bad, but portrays an image of uncleanliness and sloth. “Can a person who doesn’t take care of his teeth, of himself, take care of my portfolio?” This is a question that may be asked in the minds of the people you work with and the people you work for!

As the job market becomes more and more competitive, employers are constantly looking at ways to differentiate potential candidates for positions, and a healthy smile is a great way to make a great first impression. Existing employees are also facing tough competition with young grads who have been raised in households emphasizing the importance of oral health more so than past generations – so what are you waiting for? A healthy and beautiful smile will improve your overall health, your image and your self confidence – it could even improve your job security!

“New Mother and Baby Teeth!”

Posted by drgracesun on May 17, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Information | Be the First to Comment

It’s a privilege to be a mother – just ask Angelina Jolie! The joys of being a new mother also come with lots of new responsibilities. We must learn about how to care for our babies properly – besides love and cuddling! Safety, nutrition, physical and intellectual development and dental care are often overlooked. Even two of my nephews had suffered from rotten baby teeth (from baby bottle syndrome)!

Once the exciting jouney of pregnancy begins, your doctor will start you on prenatal vitamins. Essentially, these supplements help curb any vitamin or mineral deficiencies you may have as to properly foster the development of your fetus. Folic acid, calcium and iron are among the most important contents of these vitamins, and they are important in building your child’s first set of teeth! Although an infant’s teeth don’t start emerging until the age of approximately 5-6 months, proper development of those teeth are necessary from womb development so that when the teeth do emerge, they are strong and healthy!

Once your child’s primary teeth have begun to emerge, it is important to take good care of them. Clean new baby teeth with a damp wash cloth to wipe them free of food after feeding, and have the child drink some water to further wash down the mouth. Not only do primary teeth help a child eat and speak, but they hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth to develop.

As previously mentioned, it is extremely important to prevent baby bottle syndrome – rotten baby teeth which occurs when the baby falls sleep with a bottle of milk or juice in his or her mouth. Fermentable liquids can pool around a child’s teeth, leading to acidity and bacteria buildup in the mouth which can rot baby teeth quickly. These teeth are too soft to resist erosion and tooth decay. Once the decay process stars, it can soon progress to the pulp tissues and your poor baby would suffer from toothaches and infections – it might even affect the tooth buds of permanent teeth. So, once your child’s teeth emerge into the mouth, do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle in its mouth (unless it is only water)!

Finally, it is great idea to start good oral hygiene and diet habits early!  Never ever give your baby soda or soft drinks! The sugar and acid content in these drinks will erode your child’s teeth and start bad habits that can be difficult to break. Also try to avoid sugary carbohydrates and candies! Once there are several baby teeth present, wiping teeth with a damp cloth should be replaced with actual brushing with a soft-bristled brush. By the time your child is potty trained, it’s about time to start learning about brushing their teeth.  Allowing your child to brush their own teeth holding a child friendly toothbrush (while you direct the handle) is a great way to start good oral hygiene habits! It will be parent’s responsibility to assist in brushing of the teeth until they enter elementary school, which is when they should have the maturity and manual dexterity to handle it themselves. If you rely on a nanny or caretaker, make sure to instill this information to them.

Regarding further information on dental home care, please refer to our other postings or submit your questions, I will address your specific issue or ask your dental professional!

“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!