Green Tea appears to help fight gum disease. Green tea’s ability to help reduce symptoms of periodontal disease may be due to the presence of the antioxidant catechin. Drink up every one! There are many other benefits to green tea as well…fights cancer and been known to help fight cardiovascular disease. That cup of tea is a good thing.
Read the link below for more information
http://www.perio.org/consumer/green-tea.htm
No, No, don’t worry about the staining. It can be polished off by your hygienist. Since it is an external stain to the teeth you will maintain your pearly whites!
Dr JohnVanCamp
Certified laser gum dentist
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I came across these articles recently and though they may be a few years old, its something that has been known scientifically for years and are pertinent today.
Summary: Amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury. The toxic effects of the mercury leak into the gum tissue and mouth. The gum tissue becomes inflamed and the toxins from the mercury and bacteria destroy the gums. At the same time the toxic vapors of the mercury from the fillings spread to other parts of the mouth leaving it more vulnerable to to oral cancer.
Here are a couple of links to articles if you would like to read on further
http://www.thenhf.com/article.php?id=476
http://www.flcv.com/periodon.html
CALL TODAY TO INQUIRE IF YOUR DENTIST IS MERCURY FREE AND MERCURY SAFE
Live Healthy. Smile Confident.
Dr John VanCamp Mercury Free and Mercury Safe Dentist
Filed under // Tags: Biological Dentist, Cerec Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Holistic Dentist, John VanCamp DDS, Laser Gum Dentist, Mercury free dentist
WE ARE GOING EVEN MORE GREEN AND ECO FRIENDLY. ADD CLOTH PATIENT NAPKINS TO OUR LONG LIST. NO MORE PAPER! ONE MORE STEP TO SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT AND OURSELVES. ASK US ABOUT OUR GREEN DENTISTRY TODAY!
Going Green!
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Leaky Mercury Amalgam Filling. “Hidden” damaging cavity.
Middle aged man. Leaky Mercury Amalgam filling that caused severe gum disease No pain or discomfort.
Patient was treated by removing decay, laser gum treatment and replacement with a healthy Biocompatible Cerec Porcelain restoration.
Filed under // Tags: Biological Dentist, Cerec Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Holistic Dentist, implant Dentist, John VanCamp DDS, Laser Gum Dentist, Mercury free dentist, same day crowns
Decay tends to “hide” under old silver mercury amalgam fillings. It usually doesn’t hurt or give sensitivity. The Leak and damage healthy tooth structure. Listen to your dentist and prevent pain in the tooth and pain in the pocket.
Case: middle aged man. Leaky old mercury amalgam filling. No pain or discomfort. Large carious lesion treated with modern high tech Cerec porcelain restoration. Prognosis good.
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Dr. John Vancamp, DDS believes that a healthy smile is a happy smile. While we understand what it is like to love sweets, many individuals neglect their oral health, and the combination of these two things can cause a whole host of problems. It is imperative that damaged teeth or gums are tended to right away by a skilled dentist, so as to avoid further complications, and even worse, tooth loss.Dr. John Vancamp, DDS offers comprehensive restorative dentistry treatments at our San Francisco, CA dental office, so patients can enjoy healthy, beautiful, functioning teeth and gums. Dr. Vancamp and his dedicated team will do everything possible to restore and save a damaged or decayed tooth from extraction. When the teeth or gums are in a poor condition, you may experience trouble eating or speaking, or you may feel continuous discomfort or pain, affecting your overall quality of life.
RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY SERVICES
Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to maintain optimal dental health. You should visit the dentist every six months for general dentistry services, in which we will examine your teeth and gums, and perform a thorough cleaning and polishing. If any problems are detected, we can recommend restorative dentistry treatment right away, which may include:
Dental crowns , also known as caps, are customized tooth coverings that are placed over badly damaged teeth. Dental crowns can be made from metal, ceramic, or porcelain, and are useful for restoring strength to a decayed or badly broken tooth. Dental crowns match the size, shape, and overall appearance of your natural teeth, and are a long-lasting solution. They are also effective in preventing further damage from occurring.
Dental bridges are an excellent solution for closing gaps in a person’s smile caused by missing teeth. A bridge consists of two dental crowns with a prosthetic tooth in between. The two crowns are placed over the existing teeth on either side of the gap, and the false tooth is placed in the gap. Dental bridges are strong and can last over 10 years with the right upkeep. Missing teeth can cause a wide range of oral health problems such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, bone loss, or TMJ disorder, and a dental bridge minimizes the chance of these problems occurring. Additionally, you will have an easier time eating and speaking.
Inlays and onlays are a more conservative alternative to dental fillings for restoring decayed or damaged teeth. Made to match your natural tooth color, inlays and onlays consist of either a composite resin material or porcelain. These restorations are fabricated in a lab or on-site with CAD/CAM technology and customized to fit your specific tooth; once they are ready for placement, Dr. Vancamp bonds them onto the teeth. Inlays and onlays treat decay within the indented surface or the cusps of the tooth. They are very durable, lasting many years with the proper care. Many patients choose to replace silver fillings with inlays or onlays.
White dental fillings are another safe and effective alternative to outdated silver amalgam fillings. Made from a white composite resin material, fillings are inconspicuous, durable, and restore the original strength and functionality to decayed teeth with cavities. Patients enjoy the aesthetic benefits of white fillings, and Dr. Vancamp recommends white fillings because they are mercury free, long-lasting, and prevent further damage to the tooth.
TMJ/TMD/Neuromuscular disorders occur when there is an impairment in your jaw joint and muscles, causing a great deal of discomfort, as well as trouble eating, speaking, or swallowing. Patients may be given a mouth guard, also known as a neuromuscular orthotic, or a splint. If necessary, we will recommend orthodontics to correct bite problems, or reconstruction using various cosmetic dental techniques. Dr. Vancamp has the necessary training and experience to help correct TMJ, TMD, or other neuromuscular disorders.
Gum disease can be treated at our dental loft with a simple scaling and root planing procedure, in which we thoroughly clean down to the tooth roots and in between the gums and the teeth. If you have been diagnosed with the more advanced form of gum disease, periodontitis, antibiotics or even surgery may be necessary. We will do everything possible to prevent having to extract the tooth. The best way to avoid gum disease is to practice good oral health habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly.
Using the latest CAD/CAM technology, Dr. Vancamp can administer dental restorations, such as dental crowns, inlays, and onlays, in a matter of a single office visit, during which:
- A digital impression is taken of your teeth using our advanced chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) equipment.
- The CAD technology designs the restorations to fit your specific tooth, or teeth.
- The CAM technology crafts your restorations in-office, rather than having to send an impression to a lab for fabrication (as many other dental practices do).
LEARN MORE ABOUT RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
If you are seeking a knowledgeable, skilled dentist with a gentle, caring hand, look no further. Dr. Vancamp can perform a wide array of restorative dentistry options at our warm, inviting dental office. To learn more about restorative dentistry, contact Dr. John Vancamp at our San Francisco practice today.
Filed under // Tags: CAD/CAM, dental bridge, dental crowns, gum disease, inlay, neuromuscular disorders, onlay, restorative dentistry, tmd, tmj, white fillings
With the new year approaching, you may have already begun to think about your New Year’s resolutions. You may be considering resolving to save money, get a better job or lose weight. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the new year. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions improving your dental health?
Healthy resolutions can keep your teeth healthy, and any of the following strategies will go a long way toward giving you a brighter, healthier smile in the coming year:
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.
Quit smoking or using other tobacco products.
Using tobacco can harm your mouth in a number of ways, increasing your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and throat, lung and oral cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. It’s not just smoking tobacco that has negative effects on your oral health: use of smokeless tobacco can be just as harmful to your oral health. The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco.
Limit your alcohol intake.
You may already know that excessive alcohol intake can have an effect on your overall health, but did you know that it may also affect your oral health? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, those who smoke, eat poorly and consume excessive alcohol also have increased gum recession (periodontal pocketing). Their studies show that smokers who regularly consume alcohol are less likely to brush their teeth on a regular basis and are less concerned about their basic health than nonsmokers.
Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Brushing and flossing protect your teeth from decay and gum disease, which is caused by your teeth’s most persistent enemy, plaque – a sticky, colorless, invisible film of harmful bacteria that builds up on your teeth every day. Both brushing and flossing are equally important for good oral health: according to the Academy of General Dentistry, only flossing can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, where decay and gum disease often begins.
Without proper brushing and flossing, you may develop bleeding gums, which may worsen to severely swollen, red, bleeding gums (gingivitis) and, eventually, gum disease. Because diseases of the mouth can affect the rest of your body, it is especially important to maintain good oral health.
See your dentist for regular checkups.
By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address areas of concern.
For this new year, resolve to treat your mouth right: improve your diet, quit smoking and improve your oral hygiene habits – your teeth and your body will thank you for it!
Source: American Academy of General Dentistry
Filed under // Tags: alcohol, bad breath, brushing, flossing, healthy diet, regular check-ups, smoking, tobacco
In the blossoming world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening procedures reign supreme. Universally valued by men and women alike, whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available to satisfy every budget, time frame and temperament. Whether in the form of one-hour bleaching sessions at your dentist’s office, home-use teeth bleaching kits purchased at your local drugstore or teeth whitening toothpastes; teeth whitening solutions abound. Yet only 15 percent of the population has tried the cosmetic procedure, and misinformation on the subject is rife. The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires maintenance or “touch-ups” for a prolonged effect.
Bleaching vs. Whitening
According to the FDA, the term “bleaching” is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The term “whitening,” on the other hand, refers to restoring a tooth’s surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used – even when describing products that contain bleach. There are various dental tooth whitening procedures to help people fulfill their cosmetic desire. The following reveal the three most prominent types of dental tooth whitening:
In-Office Tooth Whitening
Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. The teeth are cleaned first and a protective gel is applied around the mouth to protect the soft tissues. Next, a special gel containing peroxide is applied over the teeth and a light is used to activate the gel. The gel penetrates the enamel and releases certain compounds, turning your teeth white and bleaching it in the process. This is called laser teeth whitening. Side effects including sensitivity may exist but only for a few days, after which it subsides. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most). Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use whitening system. The two most popular in office tooth whitening systems are the ‘Zoom Whitening System ‘and ‘Britesmile’.
Professionally Dispensed Take Home Whitening Kits
Dental whitening can also be achieved with the help of trays and kits dispensed by dentists. Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul. The whitening gel is kept in place over the surface of the teeth with a tray worn over the teeth. Different types of trays are available; one size-fits-all tray or custom made trays specially made for each patient. The custom trays are obviously more effective since they provide the correct fit and keep the gel in contact with the teeth to be bleached. In this method the gel usually used is 10-15% carbamide peroxide. The tray is advised to be worn for a particular amount of time accordingly. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The two most popular take home tooth whitening kits are Opalescence, Dash, NiteWhite, and DayWhite.
Over The Counter Whitening
The cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options is over-the-counter teeth whitening. In many cases this may only whiten a few of the front teeth unlike custom trays or in-office teeth whitening that can whiten the entire smile. Here are the three most common over the counter teeth whitening products:
- Tooth Whitening Strips: Out of the other effective teeth whitening procedures available, tooth whitening strips may be the most economical. Most of these strips are available commercially, over the counter. The effectiveness of the result achieved depends on the brand used. These strips contain peroxide of a low concentration 6-15%, and should be worn for about an hour once or twice a day for a particular number of days. It is said to achieve a shade three times lighter than that of the teeth originally present. The strips are generally comfortable when worn and may produce only mild difficulty while talking.
- Tooth Whitening Toothpastes: Tooth whitening toothpastes seem to be one of the easiest dental tooth whitening types and are available over the counter. They are used just like normal toothpastes and may cost a little higher than the regular toothpaste. However they are not very effective and do not cause any obvious whitening effect on the teeth; though they function as well as any other toothpaste. The disadvantage may lie in the case of overeager individuals who maybrush vigorously and many times a day hoping to achieve a productive result, which may do more harm than good to their teeth.
- Tooth Whitening Chewing Gum: Most commonly advertised are tooth whitening chewing gums which contain bicarb soda, also used in the tooth whitening toothpastes. May be considered the best teeth whitening products available since they are easy to use. They do not contain any bleaching agent as that used in normal bleaching systems which are more effective. The gum should be chewed for around 20mins each, four times a day. Any difference in shade would take up to four weeks to appear.
Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide
The bleach preference for in-office whitening, where time is limited, is powerful and fast-acting hydrogen peroxide. When used in teeth bleaching, hydrogen peroxide concentrations range from approximately nine percent to 40 percent. By contrast, the bleach of preference for at-home teeth whitening is slower acting carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has about a third of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. This means that a 15 percent solution of carbamide peroxide is the rough equivalent of a five percent solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Teeth Whitening Risks
Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:
- Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. This is likeliest to occur during in-office whitening, where higher-concentration bleach is used. Some individuals experience spontaneous shooting pains down the middle of their front teeth. Individuals at greatest risk for whitening sensitivity are those with gum recession, significant cracks in their teeth or leakage resulting from faulty restorations. It has also been reported that redheads, including those with no other risk factors, are at particular risk for tooth sensitivity and zingers. Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. Some dentists recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth.
- Gum irritation: Over half of those who use peroxide whiteners experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the whitening trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to several days, dissipating after bleaching has stopped or the peroxide concentration lowered.
- Technicolor teeth:Restorations such as bonding, dental crowns or porcelain veneers are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their default color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. This results in what is frequently called “technicolor teeth.”
In Closing
In addition to the aforementioned risk factors, a number of caveats should be considered before undergoing teeth whitening:
- No amount of bleaching will yield “unnaturally” white teeth.
- Whitening results are not fully seen until approximately two weeks after bleaching. This is an important consideration if you are about to have ceramic restorations and want to be sure the color matches that of your newly bleached teeth.
- If cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or other restorations are part of your treatment plan, they should not be placed until a minimum of two weeks following bleaching to ensure proper adhesive bonding, function and shade matching.
- To avoid the technicolor effect, tooth-colored restorations will likely need replacement after bleaching.
- Recessed gums often reveal their yellowish root surfaces at the gum line. That yellow color has proven difficult to bleach.
- Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid teeth whitening. The potential impact of swallowed bleach on the fetus or baby is not yet known.
Filed under // Tags: bleaching, britesmile, chewing, counter, dental, gum, kits, over, procedures, strips, system, systems, Teeth, the, tooth, toothpastes, treatments, whitening, zoom
You may have heard that the mouth is the dirtiest place in the body; this is because saliva contains numerous microorganisms. Human bites are said to be more dangerous than a dog bites as it contains more bacteria says the CDC. Worldwide there are billions of kisses exchanged by people each year. The air kiss, casual peck on the cheek or the cultured kiss on the hand aren’t much of a threat but a kiss that exchanges saliva from one another is a different matter.
Viruses That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing
- Colds: many viruses cause the common cold. It can spread by direct contact with the virus, from airborne droplets, or from direct contact with secretions from the infected person’s nose and throat.
- Infectious Mononucleosis: also known as kissing disease is caused by Epstein Barr virus. The virus is spread through saliva and infection occurs through contact.
- Herpes Infection: includes varicella zoster (causes chicken pox) and herpes simplex (cold sores in mouth). Herpes is easily spread to others when others when cold sore blisters are forming or have erupted. The virus is shed to others from the site of blisters even when they have healed. So, can you get herpes from kissing: yes.
Fever Blisters
- Hepatitis-B: kissing may also transmit this virus even though it may be contained in higher levels in blood. Infection can occur when infected blood and saliva come into direct contact with someone else’s bloodstream or mucous membrane. A person may be easily infected if they have sores in and around the mouth.
- Warts: these can spread through kissing especially if in case of recent trauma.
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: this is caused by Coxsackie virus and is spread through open sores in the mouth. This infection is common in kids especially those in day care. It is spread via the fecal oral route (maybe while changing diapers.)
Bacteria That Can Be Transmitted by Kissing
Microscopic View of Bacteria
- Meningococcal Disease: this is a life threatening condition which includes meningitis, (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia. Studies show that deep kissing seems to be one of the risk factors.
- Tooth Decay: numerous studies indicate that Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria implicated with caries is transmissible. Direct contact occurs most commonly via kissing. Indirect contact occurs though shared contaminated objects such as eating utensils, toothbrushes, cups and even toys.
There appears to be a strong link between mother and child and transmission usually occurs after the teeth have erupted in babies as S. mutans has difficulty colonizing other oral surfaces. We love our babies and it is natural to show them this love and affection, however, kissing babies on the mouth is harmful to their dental health.
Gum Disease
Gum Disease
The American academy of Periodontology says more than 75% of adults over 35 have some form of gum disease. There is no need to give up kissing; while disease causing bugs can be transferred during a kiss, most won’t cause the disease and the risk of serious disease is small BUT it may happen. And it’s not all bad. Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits. For those who are calorie conscious a 60 second kiss burns 26 calories.
Be conscious to keep your mouth as healthy and germ free as possible everyday. Make sure your partner takes preventive actions too so that you can both enjoy those smooches. Also don’t forget your pet!! When your beloved pet welcomes you home, slobbering your face with kisses, he is also gifting you his germs. Don’t forget to keep his/her mouth healthy too.
Source: WebMD
Filed under // Tags: colds, coxsackie, hepatitis-b, herpes, kissing, meningoccal disease, mononucleosis, tooth decay, virus, warts
Problems inside your mouth, such as with your gums, teeth and/or tongue, can all be indicators that serious health troubles are lurking beneath the surface. It’s critical to pay attention to any and all signs or symptoms of oral problems. If your mouth is causing even the slightest discomfort, or you’re having trouble cleaning your teeth and gums, it’s time to book an appointment today to see your dentist.
One common, yet frequently overlooked, oral issue is bleeding gums. Many people ignore inflamed or bleeding gums or brush it aside as a normal reaction to flossing, but the truth of the matter is that it’s one of the body’s clearest signs that something is awry. Think about the gums being similar to the skin on your body. If you developed an open sore every time you washed your hands, you would likely be very concerned and take immediate action to address the issue. The gums should be tended to with an equal amount of attention and care.
There are several, even some surprising, reasons for bleeding gums besides plaque build-up. These include pregnancy and hormonal changes, excessive stress, smoking, challenged immune system functioning, disease and illnesses, such as cancer, HIV and diabetes, and more.
And it’s not just about the bleeding gums alone. When you allow your gums to bleed chronically, your entire circulatory system is more vulnerable to the harmful bacteria in the mouth. If these bacteria gain entry into your bloodstream, it can cause a number of problems. These bacteria can bond to platelets in the blood and cause clots, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, even dementia. As bleeding gums go untreated, inflammation in the mouth can result in the inflammatory process, setting up in other areas of your body and vital organs.
The bottom line is that good dental health is essential to good overall health. Pay attention to clues that your mouth is giving you and follow these tips to be the healthiest you in the new year.
Brush and floss at least twice a day.
Source: WebMD
Avoid fatty and sugary foods, as these can lead to plaque build-up.
Create a smile-friendly diet by eating foods high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables, which strengthen the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, and take calcium and vitamin C supplements to promote healthy gums. Additionally, fruits and vegetables raise the pH in the mouth which creates a healthier environment for the good bacteria to thrive and the bad bacteria to disappear.
Care for your teeth, gums and tongue like any other body part, brushing and flossing regularly. Have a professional cleaning at least twice a year – and more if your gums are sensitive or inflamed, or you have had a good deal of dental work.
Small oral care steps you make today can bring a healthier you tomorrow.
Filed under // Tags: bleeding gums, cancer, dental health, diabetes, HIV, oral problems, plaque, smoking, stress
