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Archive for 2011

Teeth Whitening Procedures

Posted on: December 27th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

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.
Source: WebDental

Be Careful Who You Kiss: Diseases From Kissing

Posted on: December 20th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

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

The Mouth Is A Window To Your Overall Health

Posted on: December 13th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

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.

Why Does My Dentist Prescribe Medications?

Posted on: December 6th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

Your dentist prescribes medications for many reasons. While some drugs are formulated to fight oral diseases, others are used to prevent infections after surgical procedures such as tooth extractions and gum surgery. Certain drugs are used prior to dental treatment. These medications are used to help fight infections and also to control existing conditions such as heart murmurs and valve problems. Your dentist will discuss with you what medications you will be taking, when you will take them and why.

What should I find out about my medication?

Ask your dentist what you should look for after you’ve begun treatment. Ask about common side effects and what you should do if you experience them. Also ask about anything you should not take with the new drug, since the drug may interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications and with certain foods. Ask your pharmacist any additional questions you did not ask the dentist. If you get a medication that looks different from the one you have been taking, speak up immediately.

When your dentist writes a new prescription, keep a record noting the brand name, generic name, the purpose, the dosage, how many times per day the drug should be taken and for how long. Every prescription dispensed by a pharmacist comes with a patient information sheet describing everything you need to know about the drug. Read the sheet before beginning your prescription, and read it each time before you take the drug. If you take several medications, keep a diary to check your daily intake and note any symptoms.

How do I know if I am experiencing a side effect or an allergic reaction to medication?

Some patients are allergic to certain drugs and can experience side effects that range from mild irritations, such as rashes, to more serious problems, such as breathing difficulties. Fortunately, fewer than 5 percent of allergic reactions are life-threatening. An allergic reaction is the result of an overreaction in your body’s immune system, which fights what it perceives to be a foreign substance.

Not all side effects are allergy-related and can occur regardless of your body’s disposition toward them. By and large, these side effects are rare and are expected by the drug’s manufacturer. Depending on the drug, some side affects may include nausea, drowsiness or headaches. Your dentist may be able to lower the dosage or change the drug’s formula to reduce or eliminate these side effects. It is important to discuss side effects with your dentist or pharmacist to determine if you are suffering from an allergic reaction or not. Don’t discontinue a medication without talking with your dentist first. This could prolong the healing process.

What should my dentist know about my medical history?

It is important to share with your dentist your medical history and the medications you are taking, especially for serious conditions such as kidney, lung, heart or liver disease. Some dental medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and cause you harm or treatment failure.

Don’t assume your dentist knows your medical history. The most common cause of drug -related interactions is the doctor’s lack of information about your medical history. Update and review your history every time you see the dentist. In addition to informing your dentist of past prescriptions, tell him or her about any adverse reactions. Include any vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies you take on the list, as well as any diet plans.

What else should I know about my prescription?

When taking any medication prescribed by your dentist it is important to finish it. Many people take prescribed medicine, especially antibiotics, only until they feel better. Dosages are exact and are necessary to fight or prevent infections. By taking medication only until you feel better, all the drug has done is eliminate susceptible microorganisms and left the ones that tend to become drug-resistant. Ask your dentist before you take any non-prescription medications, vitamins, herbal remedies or dietary supplements. If you don’t feel well after taking a medication, consult your dentist or pharmacist.

Source: Main Plaza

The Truth About Trench Mouth

Posted on: December 6th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), more commonly known as “trench mouth” for its common occurrence among soldiers in the trenches during World War I, is a painful gum disease caused by the gram negative bacteria known as spirochetes.

Trench mouth is commonly associated with stress and acute anxiety, which, for teens, can take place around exam times, but it can occur in anyone going through an acute period of stress — if the underlying conditions are right.

It is often associated with an underlying or pre-existing minor gingivitis in individuals who may have not been taking good care of their oral health, brushing, flossing and getting regular dental checkups and cleanings. ANUG is also commonly associated with smoking, which seems to dry the mouth and change the bacterial flora — the normal bacteria that reside in the mouth, and is even necessary for health.

Trench Mouth Symptoms:

  • Severe gum pain
  • Bleeding from gums when they’re pressed even slightly
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Pain when eating or swallowing
  • A gray film on your gums
  • Crater-like sores (ulcers) between your teeth and on your gums
  • A foul taste in mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes around your head, neck or jaw

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Trench Mouth Disease Treatment (ANUG)

ANUG is very treatable and completely reversible if caught early. Most importantly, contact your dentist or a periodontist (a dentist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases), to confirm that this is indeed what you have. Although ANUG is quite easy to diagnose by a trained professional, there are other conditions that it could be confused with, which range from viral infection to localized malignancy (cancer).

Treatment is aimed first at relieving the symptoms and then the underlying or predisposing conditions that led to it. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain controlling medication of the aspirin and ibuprofen family are ideal for this situation, in addition to prescription antibiotics. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that works well to kill the specific bacteria associated with ANUG; amoxicillin is broad-spectrum penicillin that also works well in treating the acute phase. These are antibiotics that must be taken orally to work their way through the body. Taken together with chlorhexidine, a prescription antibacterial mouthrinse, and saline (mild saltwater) rinses, symptoms should abate within 24 to 48 hours.

It is also important to treat the underlying conditions that led to the ANUG in the first place. Good oral hygiene including training in brushing and flossing technique, together with treatment for any underlying chronic gingivitis, generally by thoroughly and meticulously removing stain, bacterial biofilm and calculus (tartar) from the teeth, will allow the gums to heal. In addition, if there is underlying periodontal disease this should also be treated. Quitting smoking, getting rest and maintaining good nutrition are also important.

If only the acute symptoms are relieved, or only the acute phase is treated, the condition can become chronic. The papillae (triangle of gum in between the teeth), which initially becomes ulcerated and necrotic, will not heal and will become permanently lost or blunted. Chronic necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis can affect the deeper structures becoming chronic necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, particularly if there is a pre-existing periodontitis, with both gum tissue and tooth supporting bone loss.

Therefore, it is very important to see your dentist or periodontist immediately to have this treated before the condition becomes serious.

Source: WebMD

DID YOU KNOW?

Posted on: November 30th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

 

 

DID YOU KNOW THAT DAILY FLOSSING AND REGULAR VISITS TO YOUR HYGIENIST CAN ADD 6.4 YEARS TO YOUR LIFE?

LIVE LONGER. LIVE HEALTHY. SMILE OFTEN

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH OUR EXPERIENCED AND FABULOUS HYGIENIST LINDA! 415.397.4233 

How To Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits By Year-End. And Why You Should.

Posted on: November 29th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

If, like the majority of dental insurance plans, yours is on a calendar year, better get cracking. You have just a few weeks left to max out your benefits. Anything you’ve left on the table will disappear on January 1. Your annual deductible will also reset and you start all over. Yes, you have a lot to do before now and the year’s end, but throwing money away is NOT on anybody’s to-do list. So here’s your strategy along with some good reasons to jump on it ASAP.

Call your dental insurance provider and find out the exact amount of your unspent dental benefits. That is also the exact amount you stand to lose if you don’t take the next step.

Call your dentist and make an appointment. The sooner you do this (like right after you finish reading this), the more likely your dentist will be able to schedule you or any eligible family member covered by your dental plan before New Year’s Eve. While you’re on the phone find out what procedures will qualify. Typically, anything cosmetic, such as whitening or veneers, aren’t covered. But preventive procedures such as cleanings, x-rays and routine exams probably are. So are fillings, crowns, bridgework and other dental procedures up to the amount allowed by your plan. Even if you can’t complete a procedure this year, you can get the ball rolling, using up left-over benefits. Next year, when your dental plan maximum benefits and deductible reset, you can finish the work.

Saving money isn’t your only motivator, either. Routine visits to the dentist can detect early problems like gum diseases and oral cancers. Even a small cavity or leaky filling left unattended can become a bigger, more expensive fix if you ignore it. Fillings are relatively cheap. Root canal and crowns are big ticket items (and not particularly pleasant to endure, either).

Nothing is getting cheaper. Creeping inflation is driving up the costs of everything. The crown you buy this year could easily cost more next year. Your dentist’s fees might also go up to cover his or her rising costs. A fee increase can also result in a higher co-pay.

One final reason for acting quickly: You are not the only person who suddenly realized you still had unspent dental benefits.

Source: EInsurance Journal of Insurance

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE WEEK. YES ANOTHER!

Posted on: November 15th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

LMFAO-Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoodRock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ6zr6kCPj8&feature=musicchart

A SECOND MUSIC VIDEO THIS WEEK….WE MISSED LAST WEEK:)

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE WEEK. MJ BLIGE

Posted on: November 15th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

http://www.youtube.com/user/MaryJBligeVEVO?feature=music#p/u/2/hB71kp2aYTM

What is a CEREC Restoration?

Posted on: November 15th, 2011 by Respect Your Mouth No Comments

CEREC is one of the extraordinary advancements in dental technology offered by Dr. Vancamp.  It stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and the system allows him to create custom-fit ceramic restorations in a single appointment.

Typically, the types of restorations performed with CEREC would require two appointments.  The dentist would anesthetize the area before taking an impression of the tooth to be treated.  The patient would then be fitted with a temporary restoration while the molds are sent to an outside dental lab for fabrication (a process that takes up to two weeks).  At the second appointment the dentist would remove the temporary restoration and bond the permanent one into place.

The Procedure with CEREC

During a CEREC procedure, Dr. Vancamp will first examine your teeth and determine the proper treatment, because CEREC can create several restorations for both functionality and cosmetic purposes.  These include crowns, onlays, veneers, and fillings.  Next, any damage or decay is removed and a special powder used to coat the tooth.  This powder is scanned with a special camera, with a computer converting the data into a three-dimensional virtual image (called an optical impression).  Dr. Vancamp will then use the CEREC to design the restoration, making fine adjustments for the unique contours of your bite.  The CEREC machine then shapes the piece of ceramic right in our office. It is finished in minutes and can immediately be bonded into place on your teeth.

CEREC has done an unparalleled job of streamlining the process of creating this sort of restoration, and our patients have loved the fast turnaround.  So for single-appointment restorations using the CEREC system, there is no better place in the San Francisco area than Respect Your Mouth.  Please contact us for an appointment or for more information.